From Livestock to Lifelong Lessons: The Impact of Texas Stock Show Season

BY LESLIE POSADAS

Multimedia Journalist

With stock show season in full swing, Texas majors have become the perfect time to reminisce, create new memories and bring families together.

For Casey Stevens, an agricultural communications student at Tarleton State University, stock show season is more than exhibiting livestock.

“For me, stock shows are like family gatherings,” Stevens said. “I get to see some of my favorite people and do what we love.”

As Stevens reflects on her stock show career, one memory stands out above the rest.

“The time in 2019 when I won the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with a homegrown buck of mine – and not only was it a goat that I had raised, but I had friends and family there supporting me,” Stevens said. “In the backdrop photo, you can see my smile and the smiles of a whole world that I get to call mine.”

As the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo wraps up, other majors begin. These include the San Angelo Stock Show from Feb. 1-16, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo from Feb. 6-23, the Austin Stock Show and Rodeo from March 7-29 and the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo from March 4-23.

For many exhibitors, the stock show industry has provided them with an abundance of skills. 

Haley Ronshausen, an agricultural communications student at Tarleton, is grateful for the industry and all it has provided her with.

“This industry has helped me to aim high and reach goals bigger than most people my age,” Ronshausen said. “It has taught me so many life lessons, responsibilities, resilience and how to be a better person than I was the day before.”

In 2023, Ronshausen won the “Lightweight All Other Colors” class with her steer and made a sale, which allowed her to enter a market steer breed drive and walk in with some of the biggest names in the industry.

“I’ve learned that not everything is handed to you and that working hard is not just a saying, it’s a lifestyle,” Ronshausen said. “Throughout my 10 years in the show barn, I have met so many amazing people who have guided me to where I am today and have made so many friendships that I will carry with me throughout my entire life.”

Alyssa Gurrola, a senior at Garland High School and a prospective Tarleton student, reflects on her final year showing and is left with memories and words of encouragement for the next class.

“Some advice I could give to someone interested in the industry is to just go for it,” Gurrola said. “Even if you’ve never been around this lifestyle, yes, it might seem hard because a lot of people were born into the industry, but you can learn and implement yourself into it. Trust me, you will not regret it.” 

Stevens encourages individuals who are interested in this industry to dive right in.

“Get hands-on experience, don’t be afraid to learn and ask questions.” Stevens said. “There are going to be rough patches and hard days – educate yourself, attend stock shows, connect with experienced livestock owners and be patient and persistent. It has taken me 15 years to get to where I am today with my Boer goat show string.”