Top honors in the Market Steer Show were awarded Tuesday, April 17, as the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo named its 2026 grand and reserve champions.

Paisley Harris of Champion 4-H left the show ring with the title of 2026 Grand Champion Market Steer. Even after being congratulated by friends, family and supporters, Harris said the moment still had not fully sunk in.

“Everyone in the ring has a chance,” Harris said. “I was just numb when I shook the judge’s hand, and I feel like it still hasn’t hit me yet.”

After caring for her animal for the past year, Harris said she had grown especially close to her steer. From the first week the calf entered their barn, Harris and her family took him to every show they could to prepare for this moment.

In total, Harris and her steer competed in more than 20 shows over the past 12 months. While the journey was not always easy, Harris said the work was worth it.

“The blood, the sweat, the tears and all the days and hours I’ve spent in the barn really paid off,” Harris said.

The title of Reserve Champion Market Steer went to Splendora FFA member Zach Mueller. Mueller described the feeling of shaking the judge’s hand as unforgettable.

“It was unbelievable,” Mueller said. “I’ve dreamed of this for a long time, and it finally came true.”

Like Harris, Mueller said he also shared a close bond with his animal. 

“He was my favorite calf in the barn this year,” Mueller said. “I would play with him from outside of the pen, and he would hop back and forth. He’s always had the best temperament, and I’m going to miss having him as a show calf.”

Even while taking in the moment, Mueller offered advice to future showmen.

“If you have dreams, keep at it,” Mueller said. “Never stop trying.”

Macy Scotten, a coach for the Redlands Community College Livestock Judging Team, had the honor of selecting this year’s top exhibitors.

“I thought the steer show was incredible,” Scotten said. “When I got called to come down, I heard a lot of great things about the fair, so I was really looking forward to it.”

However, it wasn’t just the exhibitors and their projects that stood out to Scotten.

“Of course, the quality of cattle was phenomenal, but the one thing that really blew me away was the support for the young people,” Scotten said. “Every class, it seemed like when you had them placed, the crowd would erupt. That’s really special, to see so much support for the youth in the community.”

The Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo brings families, youth exhibitors, and visitors together for livestock shows, rodeo events, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions annually. The fun kicked off at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Conroe, Texas on Thursday, April 9 and will conclude on Sunday, April 19.

For more information, visit mcfa.org or follow the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo on Facebook and Instagram.