Stock Show Spotlight: Heidi O’Quinn Puts Dedication on Display in Houston

Young exhibitors balance school and months of preparation as they compete at one of Texas’s largest livestock events.

HOUSTON, TEXAS (RFD News) — The Houston Livestock Show is bringing together young exhibitors from across the state, each showcasing months of hard work in the ring.

RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor was on the grounds, catching up with one exhibitor to get a closer look at what it takes to prepare for competition.

Student Heidi O’Quinn is no stranger to stock shows. Her most recent project, a Duroc pig, reflects months of daily care and commitment.

“It’s a lot of work. We get the pigs in August when they’re little bitty, and then it’s cool to watch them grow,” O’Quinn said. “We have to feed them morning and night. We have to oil them to get their skin looking good. It’s a lot of work.”

However, preparation doesn’t stop in the barn for O’Quinn.

O’Quinn says school remains a top priority, often requiring her to give up free time to stay on track with her studies.

“I have to take school very seriously. Sometimes I have to stay in during recess, but it’s okay because I love showing, and if it takes doing schoolwork and staying in at recess, I’ll do it,” she said.

This year, the Grand Champion Junior Market Steer was sold for $1.5 million dollars.

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Student volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo are teaching visitors about agriculture through the FFA Children’s Barnyard ahead of the Junior Sale of Champions.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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