Katy & Royal 4-H Club’s Dairy Cattle Teams Win Big at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
The Katy & Royal 4-H Club made a name for itself last month at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR), securing major wins in the Dairy Cattle Competition. The club’s Green Team won First Place Junior Team in the Holstein Division, while Madi Hensley took home the First Place Individual Junior Holstein title. These victories mark a significant milestone for the newly established 4-H club, proving that dedication and teamwork lead to success.
A Strong Showing at FWSSR
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, founded in 1896, is one of Texas' most prestigious annual events, celebrating Western heritage through rodeo performances, livestock exhibitions, and educational competitions. The 23-day event, held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center and Dickies Arena, draws competitors from across the nation.
The FWSSR hosts an annual Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, inviting participants from 4-H, FFA, and intercollegiate teams to evaluate various dairy cattle breeds. The competition emphasizes assessing cattle based on physical conformation and dairy characteristics, with participants ranking classes of four animals and providing oral reasons to justify their evaluations. This event offers youth and collegiate members a platform to enhance their understanding of dairy cattle, refine public speaking skills, and engage in friendly competition.
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This year, the Katy & Royal 4-H Club’s Green Team – made up of Clayton Arthur, Joni Hensley, Madi Hensley, and Dakota Johnson – took the top spot in the Holstein Junior Team Division, placing 11th overall in the competition. Meanwhile, the Gold Team, consisting of Logan Arthur, Arlen Ovalle, Bonnie Tabola, and Sasha Torres, secured an impressive 14th place overall finish.
Texas 4-H and the Katy & Royal 4-H Club
Texas 4-H, established in 1908, is the largest youth development program in Texas, serving over 550,000 youth annually. Part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M System, it offers hands-on learning in areas such as agriculture, leadership, STEM, and natural resources, preparing students for future careers and community involvement. The Katy & Royal 4-H Club, a new addition in South Waller County, provides local youth with opportunities to learn about agriculture, develop leadership skills, and compete in events like FWSSR.
While 4-H is often associated with agricultural programs, it encompasses a much broader range of opportunities. Participants can engage in activities such as shooting sports, food science, healthy living, robotics, fashion, and photography. These diverse programs allow young members to develop new skills, explore different interests, and form lasting connections within their communities.
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A Memorable Experience and a Bright Future
Competitors and their families had to leave Fort Worth quickly after the competition to avoid deteriorating road conditions due to snowfall, but FWSSR made sure the team received their hard-earned awards. The event not only provided valuable competition experience but also reinforced teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship among the young participants.
Looking ahead, the Katy & Royal 4-H Club is encouraging new members to join and participate in upcoming competitions. For more information about joining the Katy & Royal 4-H Club, visit waller.agrilife.org/4-h.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
