MERCEDES, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show is once again drawing large crowds, continuing a decades-long tradition in South Texas — even as farmers face ongoing challenges with drought and water shortages.
“The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show has been around since its first event in 1940. So this is our 87th year, and our mission is about educating youth and promoting agriculture,” said Luis Saldaña, executive director and general manager of the show.
The event features thousands of participants and projects, showcasing a wide range of livestock and agricultural work.
“This year we’ve got 3,000 exhibitors with over 7,000 projects — breeding cattle, breeding hogs, breeding goats, breeding sheep, market steers, market lambs, market goats — the whole spectrum of your typical livestock show,” Saldaña said.
Resilience Despite Drought, Water and Cattle Health Concerns
The show comes at a difficult time for South Texas agriculture. Farmers across the region have faced limited irrigation water supplies due to ongoing disputes over deliveries under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty, along with persistent drought.
Still, Saldaña says the ag community continues to show strong support for the event.
“Farmers are a very resilient group of people, and so they adapt even in hard times… their level of commitment and support of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show continues irrespective of the hardships.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond competition, organizers say the event plays a key role in shaping future agricultural leaders. The event’s popularity raises questions about whether it can inspire young people to pursue careers in agriculture.
“At the bare minimum, it provides a level of appreciation for the industry,” Saldaña said, “even from folks that may not necessarily pursue that over the long-term.”
Attendees say that exposure is exactly why they come.
“That’s why I bring my daughter out here — to try and influence the younger generation on the importance of agriculture,” said Richard Grafe. His daughter, Gracie Grafe, already has her sights set on a future tied to agriculture.
“I want to be a veterinarian,” she said.
Frank McCaffrey reporting for RFD News.
