Stock Show Spotlight: San Antonio Wraps Up, But Young Exhibitors Are Already Looking Ahead

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo concluded last night, marking the end of another successful year showcasing youth exhibitors, livestock producers, and the spirit of agriculture.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo has officially wrapped up for the year, but the excitement surrounding the event is far from over. For exhibitors, the show represents months of preparation, dedication, and hard work that often begins well before the first animal ever enters the ring.

Kirbe Schnoor caught up with a young stock show participant, Abigail Smelley, who has been putting in the work since last fall, highlighting the commitment required to compete at one of the nation’s largest livestock exhibitions.

Organizers say the next San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo will return in February 2027.

Related Stories
Paul Neiffer joined us to explain how USDA’s base acre expansion will be calculated, outline key deadlines for farmers, and discuss how the changes tie into farm program decisions and the broader Farm Bill outlook.
The trip is giving them a firsthand look at farming beyond the U.S.
The non-profit organization is helping feed communities while creating pathways for at-risk youth.
Expanded export financing could provide greater support for ag sales abroad if buyers and lenders use the additional tools.
The Purdue student team joins us to discuss how they developed Soy-Seal, their innovative soybean-based adhesive tape, and its potential ag impact.

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:

The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
Industry leaders representing more than 40 nations gathered to discuss the future of ethanol and other corn-based products.
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.