Grady captures reserve grand steer at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Feb. 13—For the second year in a row, Mason Grady with Johnson County 4-H captured Reserve Grand Champion Steer and Heavy Weight Reserve Champion European Crossbred & Other Breeds Steer at the 2023 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The 12-year-old then sold the 1,439-pound black cross named Maverick for $200,000 to Hillwood at the Junior Sale of Champions. Last year's winning steer was a chestnut named Bugsy and was sold for $190,000.

Generating $7.3 million in receipts — money raised by area individuals, business and foundations — the net proceeds of the auction eclipsed last year's total by $1.2 million. Since the 2020 auction, the Jr. Sale of Champions revenues have increased by more than 35 percent.

"I'm continually amazed at the hard work our volunteers devote to supporting the youth of Texas," Stock Show President and General Manager Brad Barnes said. "Their efforts underscore the tremendous generosity of the wonderful donors here in the Fort Worth area."

At the Johnson County Junior Livestock Show and Youth Fair, Grady also claimed grand champion and reserve champion market steer and reserve champion market swine.

The 2023 Show hosted junior exhibitors from across Texas competing for awards and more than $10,245 in Junior Steer Show premiums.

With 4-H and FFA members from 239 of Texas' 254 counties competing in livestock shows, judging contests and other competitions, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo takes pride in providing learning opportunities in agriculture and livestock production.

Their experiences not only enlighten them on the importance of stewardship and helping feed the world, they help provide the means to attend college and enter exciting career paths.

"Generations of families have competed in the Fort Worth Stock Show and it remains a cherished rite of passage for many who plan to make agriculture a career or who want to be a part of a school's team program," Barnes said. "Even after decades of being involved in this show, I remain in awe of these young people and am more convinced than ever that the agricultural lifestyle is truly the lifeblood of this great nation."

Other local grand and reserve champion wins included:

—Macon Metzler, a 4-H member from Grandview, captured Reserve Junior Champion Heifer with BCR Time to Shine J207 in the Simmental Junior Heifer Show.

—Brecken Shipman, a 4-H member from Grandview, captured Grand Champion Heifer and Senior Champion Heifer with SWC KCC1 Havana's Jewel 283J in the Simmental Junior Heifer Show.

—Bodie Shipman, a 4-H member from Grandview captured Junior Champion Heifer with THSF Gianna J118 in the Simmental Junior Heifer Show.

—Brendan Gross of Cleburne captured Reserve Light Weight Champion Wether Goat.

—Hagan Martin of Rio Vista captured Junior Fitting and Showmanship in the other purebred division with Heavenly Nitro Cucumber.

—Cade Edwards of Cleburne captured Champion Heifer in the other purebred division with Joboo Applecrisp.

—A deer cleaner, constructed and exhibited by Reed Calvert and Charlie Coats of Grandview FFA in Grandview was named Reserve Champion in the Wildlife Equipment Division.