McNeil High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) students recently showcased months of dedication and hard work at the Travis County Youth Livestock Show. There, they gained hands-on experience in animal science, leadership and responsibility.
Students competed Jan. 15-17, spending long days caring for their animals and preparing for their individual competitions.
Meagan Crandall, Agricultural Science teacher and head of McNeil’s FFA program, brought a diverse group of students to the event, many of whom had no farming or ranching experience before joining the program.
“Shows like this teach students what market animals should look like and how we can improve genetics,” Crandall said. “But more importantly, it gives them a real sense of responsibility. They learn the full farm-to-table process and understand what it takes to raise animals that will eventually become part of our food system.”
This year, McNeil students brought 26 pigs, nine goats, four sheep, and three steers to the competition.
“They are required to feed, water, clean pens and closely monitor their animals throughout the day,” said Crandall. “These animals are athletes in a sense, so students make constant adjustments to help them look and perform their best.”
Sophomore Tripp P. described the process as both challenging and rewarding.
“Showing pigs is like showing a giant toddler,” he said. “They’re cranky sometimes, but once you earn their trust, they’re some of the sweetest animals you’ll ever work with.”
Tripp says FFA has been a defining part of his high school experience.
“FFA isn’t just showing animals, it’s a family,” said Tripp. “You learn skills like how to communicate, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to stay dedicated to something.”
Junior Addison G., a first-timer at the livestock show, agreed with Tripp.
“Everybody here is super helpful,” Addison said. “I’ve tried other activities at McNeil, but this is where I feel at home.”
Across Round Rock ISD, FFA programs are designed to give students opportunities to grow as leaders both inside and outside the classroom.
Round Rock ISD Director of CTE Education, Sheri Bonds says FFA students at both McNeil and Stony Point high schools truly embody the National Organization’s mission: to make a “positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”
“Our teachers do a great job helping students find their voice through public speaking, explore career paths in competitions and livestock shows, and step up as leaders at every level,” said Bonds, “At the end of the day, seeing students succeed in the classroom and the show ring—and then watching them carry those skills into everything else they do—is what it’s all about.”
Students who placed at the Travis County Youth Livestock Show will have the opportunity to auction off their animals on Friday, Jan. 23, with proceeds often used to fund future Livestock show participation or help pay for students’ college expenses.
McNeil Students who placed in the top 5 at the January Travis County Youth Livestock Show include:
Autumn C. 1st Place Exotic Steer
Travis C. 2nd Place Exotic Steer
Brooke D. 3rd Place Exotic Steer
Haley G. 4th place Finewool Lamb
Sophia S. Reserve Champion Light Weight Goat, 3rd place medium wool Lamb
Khloe W. Reserve Fine Wool, 5th place finewool cross Lamb
Kelsey M. 3rd place Goat
Jessie Paiten H. 5th Place Goat
Cailyn M. 1st place Goat
Corbin E. 5th place Goat
Kate V. 5th place Goat
Connor K. Breed Champion OPB, 1st Place Cross Swine
Ciara E. Reserve Breed Champion Crossbred, 3rd Place York Swine
Makaylah N. 1st place OPB, 5th place OPB Swine
Aubrey K. 1st place OPB Swine
Kaylie E. 2nd place Duroc, 3rd place Duroc, 2nd Place York Swine
Tripp P. 2nd place OPB, 2nd place Cross Swine
Michael Cash A. 3rd Place Duroc Swine
Mary Elizabeth B. 3rd place OPB Swine
Nathaniel H. 3rd place OPB Swine
Julianna K. 4th place Cross Swine
Lily G. 5th place OPB Swine
Addelyn T. 5th place York Swine
Joseph S. 5th place York Swine
Ayden G. 5th Place Hampshire Swine
Stony Point Students who placed in the top 5 at the December Williamson County Youth Livestock Show include:
Kali W. 3rd place British, 4th place European Steer, 2nd place Dark OPB Swine
Chloe D. 5th place European Steer
Layla Z. 4th place Light Weight Steer
Asher B. 3rd place Southdown Lamb
Sophia G. 5th place Medium Wool Lamb
Layla K. 2nd place Finewool Lamb
Rachel A. 5th place York Swine
Jocelyn H. 1st place Lightweight Cross, 4th place Dark OPB, 3rd place White OPB Swine
Abreanna T. 4th place Hamp Swine