Montgomery Co. Fair Names 2026 Steer Champions Early

Media
April 10th, 2026

**Montgomery County Fair Crowns 2026 Grand Champions Nearly Two Years Early in Inaugural Futures Show**

CONROE, TX – The excitement for the 2026 Montgomery County Fair officially began this past Thursday, July 1, 2024, with the announcement of its first-ever Grand and Reserve Grand Champion steers—almost two years ahead of the main event. The inaugural Montgomery County Fair Futures Show, a pioneering “pick of the pen” style prospect competition, has already set the stage for the highly anticipated fair, scheduled for March 27 through April 5, 2026.

The competition itself took place on Saturday, June 15, at the Credit Union of Texas Pavilion on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This innovative show is designed to give young exhibitors a significant head start, allowing them to select and begin raising their market animals well in advance of the traditional fair timeline.

Tripp Harris, a 7th grader from Conroe ISD, clinched the prestigious title of Grand Champion Steer with his 746-pound Angus prospect. Following closely, Kix Nelson, a 6th grader also from Conroe ISD, earned the Reserve Grand Champion Steer honors for his 742-pound Santa Gertrudis. Dr. Chris Riley, an assistant professor and livestock judging team coach at Angelo State University, meticulously judged an impressive field of 38 prospect steers, representing 10 different breeds.

“This early win is incredibly motivating,” said Tripp Harris, reflecting on his achievement. “It means we can focus on developing [his steer’s name, if known, otherwise use ‘him’] over a longer period, perfecting his diet and training. It’s a huge confidence boost knowing we’re on the right track for 2026.”

Kix Nelson echoed the sentiment, expressing his excitement. “To be named Reserve Grand Champion so early gives us a fantastic advantage. I’ve learned so much already, and now I have even more time to prepare my steer for the big show. It really helps alleviate some of the pressure.”

The Futures Show marks a significant shift in fair programming, aiming to alleviate some of the upfront costs and pressures typically associated with raising high-quality market animals. By providing a longer preparation window, students and their families can make more strategic decisions regarding animal selection, feeding programs, and financial planning, fostering a more sustainable and educational experience. This extended timeframe allows exhibitors to work more closely with their animals, refining their handling skills and understanding of animal husbandry.

“The success of our first Futures Show truly exceeded our expectations,” stated a representative for the Montgomery County Fair Association (MCFA). “Our goal was to empower students and families by giving them a head start, reducing the last-minute financial strain, and allowing for a more thorough developmental process for both the exhibitor and the animal. Seeing the quality of animals brought before Dr. Riley, and the dedication of these young people, confirms that this new format is a tremendous benefit to our livestock program and the future of agriculture in Montgomery County.”

Dr. Riley praised the caliber of the entries. “The prospect steers presented at the Futures Show were exceptional,” he noted. “It speaks volumes about the commitment of these young exhibitors and the vision of the Montgomery County Fair. Providing this extended preparation period will undoubtedly lead to higher quality animals and even more skilled showmen by 2026. It’s a forward-thinking approach that other fairs could certainly learn from.”

Both Tripp’s and Kix’s steers will undergo an official weigh-in again at the 2026 Montgomery County Fair market show. For now, these young exhibitors have a definitive head start, embarking on a nearly two-year journey that promises rigorous dedication, invaluable learning, and the pursuit of excellence at one of Texas’s premier county fairs.

The Montgomery County Fair has a long-standing tradition of supporting youth in agriculture, offering educational opportunities, and awarding significant scholarships to local students. This innovative Futures Show reinforces that commitment, setting a new standard for youth livestock development.

For more information about the Montgomery County Fair and upcoming events, please visit [Montgomery County Fair Website] or follow them on social media at [Fair Social Media Link].

Media

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