Four Lufkin High School students placed this past week at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Talen Garcia placed eighth in Beefmaster Heifer, Cole Corley placed first in Red Brangus Heifer, Sloan Moss placed third in Limousin Heifer and third in Heavy Weight Limousin Steer which made the sale and Aidan Ehrlich placed third in Medium Wool Lamb which made the sale.
Kellye Marshall, Lufkin FFA Ag Science Teacher, said that students from Lufkin High School participate each year, but this is the first two students to make the sale since she’s been a teacher at LHS.
“It is an extremely tough competition,” said Marshall. “To give you an idea of market lambs there were 248 make the sale out of 1,600 lambs and 219 market steers out of 1,200 total. Grand Champion of any division earns a $10,000 scholarship so ultimately that is what each kid has as a goal.”
To qualify to participate in the stock show, a student must validate their animal (steers must be validated in June the prior year, heifers & lambs in October the prior year), and must be in 4-H or FFA.
“All these projects require endless amounts of time and work to be successful,” Marshall said, “Everyone can go out and buy a good animal, the difference is your attitude and effort. Participating in these animal projects teaches responsibility, work ethic, compassion, and sportsmanship.”
Marshall emphasized the importance of parental support.
“All these projects would not be possible without parent support. We have an amazing show family that supports each other,” she said.
Aidan’s lamb went to the sale on Thursday night and earned him $2,000. Sloan’s steer made auction and sold on Saturday for $9,100.“I am extremely proud of all the students that participated in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo,” said Marshall. “I love getting to share their success knowing how hard they have worked and the dedication they have had to their projects.“The FFA program and showing/raising livestock shape our citizens of tomorrow by building confidence, character, passion, and desire to succeed,” she said.
