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Montgomery Fair Names Market Goat & Showmanship Champs

CONROE, TX – The 87th annual Montgomery County Fair celebrated the immense talent and dedication of its young agriculturalists this week, with Willis 4-H members securing top honors in the highly competitive Market Goat show. Morgan O’Neal was crowned Grand Champion Market Goat, while fellow Willis 4-H member Lane Cearley secured the prestigious Reserve Champion title in the highly anticipated event.

The judging, which took place on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the fairgrounds, drew an impressive turnout of over 300 entries from across the county. Evaluating the high-quality livestock were expert judges Jake and Kasey Miller, who traveled from Oklahoma to lend their discerning eyes to the competition.

“The level of commitment and skill displayed by these young exhibitors is truly inspiring,” commented Judge Jake Miller. “We saw an incredible lineup of animals, and it’s clear that the youth of Montgomery County are dedicating countless hours to their projects, learning invaluable lessons in animal husbandry, responsibility, and perseverance.”

Beyond the main market titles, the showmanship contests also celebrated the deep understanding and presentation skills of the exhibitors. These competitions emphasize the handler’s ability to present their animal effectively, demonstrating their knowledge of the animal’s characteristics and their own showmanship etiquette. Madalyn Smith of Porter FFA earned the Senior Showmanship Champion title, showcasing exceptional control and grace. Brysen Stinson from Willis 4-H claimed the Intermediate Showmanship championship, while Ava Cearley, also representing Willis 4-H, emerged as the champion in the Junior division.

Morgan O’Neal, beaming after her win, expressed her excitement. “It’s an incredible feeling to see all the hard work pay off,” she said. “I’ve spent months training and caring for my goat, learning something new every day. This win is not just for me, but for my family, my 4-H leaders, and everyone who supported me along the way.”

The success in the show ring paved the way for the Junior Livestock Auction, a pivotal event that unfolded on Thursday, March 28. This “premium only” sale is a cornerstone of the fair’s mission, designed to support the educational and entrepreneurial endeavors of the students. In this unique auction format, buyers pay the difference between the sale price and an established floor price, ensuring that young exhibitors receive a significant return on their year-long investment of time, effort, and financial resources. Funds raised often go towards college tuition, future livestock projects, or savings for the students.

“The Junior Livestock Auction is a powerful demonstration of community support for our youth and the future of agriculture,” said Sarah Johnson, President of the Montgomery County Fair Association. “It teaches these young people valuable lessons in finance, marketing, and the rewards of hard work, while helping them pursue their educational and career goals. We are incredibly proud of all the participants.”

The 87th annual Montgomery County Fair, running from March 22 through March 31, has once again shone a spotlight on the remarkable talent, dedication, and agricultural heritage within Montgomery County’s youth. The fair continues to offer a diverse range of competitions, educational exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment, culminating in a celebration of local talent and community spirit.

For more information about the Montgomery County Fair, including full results from all competitions and details on how to get involved, please visit mcfa.org or follow their social media channels @MCFATX.

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