More than 140 market barrows and their exhibitors stepped into the show ring at the 2025 Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo, each showcasing their months of hard work and dedication. However, only one could walk away with the title of 2025 Grand Champion Market Barrow, and this year, that belongs to Saige McKinley of Lake Creek Jr. FFA

“It feels amazing, unbelievable almost,” McKinley said. “I honestly thought I wasn’t going to win at all. All I was thinking when I went in that ring was ’I just hope I can do my best.’”

In the world of livestock shows, animals don’t care how young or old their showman is, and McKinley, still in elementary school, knows firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to raise a competitive animal.

“The hardest part was going out there every day to work with my pig,” McKinley shared. “The feeding, practicing showmanship, it was pretty hard doing that so consistently.”

With three years of experience under her belt, McKinley has put in the time and effort to earn her success. Not only does this young lady show pigs, she also pours her passion of showing into her broiler and turkey projects.

Though the 2025 Montgomery County Fair has come to a close, McKinley is already setting her sights on next year. She plans to return with her broilers and turkeys. Beyond the county fair, McKinley has her sights set on every major livestock show in Texas, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

As for the 2025 Reserve Champion Market Barrow, that hard-fought honor went to Billie Benson of Montgomery Jr. FFA, a fellow showman who also has three years of experience in the ring. Benson was also an exhibitor in the 2025 Jr. Non-Livestock Contest where she entered her chocolate espresso pies. Even though this wasn’t Benson’s first time to step into the ring, that didn’t shield her from all of the nerves and feelings that come along with exhibiting a livestock project.

“It feels great, amazing even,” Benson said. “All I could think about as I walked in the ring was, ‘I have to win this’ and I fought really hard to get this spot. I was super happy when the judge called out my name for reserve.”

Raising an animal certainly comes with its own set of challenges and Benson is no stranger to that. However, no matter what hardships came her way, she could always count on the constant support of her family to help her overcome any challenge. They inspire her to pursue her dreams and continue showing as long as she possibly can.

“I want to continue raising animals until I’m a senior,” Benson said.

Both McKinley and Benson have proven that success in the show ring is earned through countless hours of dedication, resilience, and heart. Their journeys reflect the true spirit of the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo — a celebration of hard work, passion, and community support. As these young showmen look ahead to future competitions, their determination and love for livestock will no doubt continue to shine, inspiring others to chase their own goals in and out of the ring.

Written by: Tucker Walding | Edited by: Madison Harris