Newcomers and family dynasties squared off last week at the McLennan County Junior Livestock Show, competing for buckles and scholarship money after months of care and feeding of their animals.
Youth competed in events at the Extraco Event Center involving rabbits, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, heifers and agricultural equipment, culminating in the Friday evening auction that featured the steer sale, which typically brings the highest bids.
For the second year in a row, the Meurer family from West bested the former reigning champion Groschke family from Riesel.
Brighton Meurer, 10, took home four buckles including one for grand champion steer, which brought her $13,500 in the Friday evening auction. The money goes to scholarships, and as of this year, the youth are allowed to keep their animal after the auction to show in other competitions. Meurer’s brother, Caiden, won the top prize last year.
Livestock show veteran Paisley Groschke came in a close second with her reserve champion steer.
While competition can be fierce and emotions run high at the end of the week, it’s a fun event for the whole family.
“My kid is smiling, having a good time, what can I say?” one father was overheard to say. “What gets better than that?”
