Lifestyle  Sports

Ringing the Bell for the Next Generation: Texas FFA Alum Modernizes Junior Livestock Shows, One Bid at a Time

Brent Graves, auctioneer and mentor, shares his journey supporting youth in agriculture, livestock competitions, and how he is turning junior livestock auctions into a classroom for youth in agriculture.

January 13, 2026 02:43 PM • 
Marion Kirkpatrick, RFD NEWS STAFF
ffa iowa state fair livestock show_ farmher_IMG_3152 copy.jpg

FFA students participate in junior livestock shows at the Iowa State Fair.

FarmHER, Inc.

MIDLAND, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Brent Graves is more than an auctioneer. He is a mentor, leader, and advocate for youth in agriculture, known for his success in state and international competitions and for helping modernize junior livestock auctions through online platforms.

Graves joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to share his story and discuss his continued work supporting young people in agriculture.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Graves reflected on what first sparked his interest in auctioneering and how his time at Texas Tech helped shape his career path. He also looked ahead to the spring run of livestock auctions and stock shows, offering insight into what the upcoming season may hold.

He also discussed his experience serving as a Texas FFA state officer and how that role influenced his passion for agriculture and youth development. He emphasized that supporting young people who show livestock is a personal mission for him and remains important to the industry’s future.

To learn more, visit www.stockshowauctions.com.

Related Stories
OaIYQ89v.jpg
Farm Monitor
Drought Tightens Grip on Georgia Growing Season, Raising Concerns for Crop Yields
Widespread drought and extreme weather leave producers managing limited resources
April 02, 2026 11:19 AM
 · 
John Holcomb
anya irons farmer.png
Rural Money
Cooperatives Face Pressure to Better Serve Younger Farmers
Cooperatives may need changes to attract younger producers.
April 01, 2026 02:44 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
honey-orange-glazed-pork_taste-what-pork-can-do_national-pork-board.png
Food & Drink
Taste What Pork Can Do: National Pork Board Campaign Courts Next Generation of Consumers
Jose de Jesus explains the National Pork Board’s new campaign, “Taste What Pork Can Do,” which aims to build long-term engagement with Millennial and Gen-Z consumers.
April 01, 2026 01:16 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
bsdcbFmj.jpg
National FFA Organization
Tennessee FFA Convention Draws Thousands of Students to Gatlinburg
State leaders say the program continues to build the next generation of farmers and producers
April 01, 2026 12:54 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Electric transmission lines on an easement cut through a forest in a rural area By KQ Ferris via Adobe Stock.png
Livestock
Stray Voltage Case Raises Legal and Insurance Questions for Dairy Producers
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen highlights the legal challenges surrounding stray voltage, a recent court decision, and what it means for agricultural producers.
April 01, 2026 12:23 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
vNoWOnew.jpg
Sustainability
New Technology Shaping the Future of Forest Management Research
Researchers say new technology will continue to drive innovation in forest operations.
April 01, 2026 11:57 AM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Load More

Livestock Shows Ag Education & Resources Southwest Young Farmers and Ranchers Grower & Producer Stories
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

IJV84IKU.jpg
Rural Health Matters
Rural Health Matters: Eye Safety
Dr. Gold encouraged farmers and ranchers to prioritize eye safety in their daily routines, offering his expertise to help reduce risks on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
March 25, 2026 03:32 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
mexican wolf howling on a rock in the forest_Photo by Karen Yomalli_AdobeStock_694212027.jpg
Sustainability
New Documentary Highlights Ranchers’ Struggle with Livestock Loss and Wolf Policy in the West
Dave Duquette, founder of Western Justice, joined us to discuss wolf management, rancher concerns, efforts to return control to the states, and his upcoming documentary, “Wolves: True Conflict.”
March 25, 2026 02:48 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Ripe, juicy orange mandarins on trees in an orchard.
Crops
Stronger Citrus Crop Meets Harsh Water Reality in South Texas
Citrus production depends heavily on reliable irrigation, making water shortages a critical issue for South Texas growers moving forward.
March 25, 2026 01:47 PM
 · 
Frank McCaffrey
green gas pump e15 biofuel_Photo by MemoryMan via AdobeStock_317445546.jpg
Washington Policy
EPA Approves Nationwide Summer E15 Sales to Help Stabilize Fuel Prices for Farmers and Consumers
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
March 25, 2026 01:16 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Bw6Gs66f.jpg
Washington Policy
Middle East Conflict Disrupts Fuel and Fertilizer Flows As White House Teases Major Policy Announcement
As farmers and ranchers navigate rising input costs, lawmakers are considering a roughly $15 billion aid package to help, which would be tied to the spending bill for the war with Iran.
March 25, 2026 12:46 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
2A4zmIIC.jpg
Washington Policy
Senate Passes Fischer Bill to Fast-Track Wildfire Aid: ‘It’s important we start to address this immediately.’
After devastating wildfires swept through Nebraska, Sen. Deb Fischer is championing a bill to expedite the relief process for farmers and ranchers. She joins us with updates on recovery efforts, conditions on the ground, and how the ag community has stepped up to help.
March 25, 2026 10:58 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Load More
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
ChrisAndTaylorMalpass_wPhotoCredit_1920x1080.jpg
251125_GR_DailyVincent0645.jpg
Penny Gilley
Mollie B
SharkFarmer_Rob-and-Emily-wLogo-White_r20250711a_1920x1080.jpg
Malpass Brothers Show
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Dailey & Vincent Show
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Penny Gilley Show
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
Mollie B Polka Party
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
SharkFarmer TV
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.

ALL SHOWS