Top honors were awarded Tuesday, April 14, as the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo awarded its 2026 Grand and Reserve Champion Market Goat Exhibitors.

Judge Steve Sturtz named Karlie Rogers of the Montgomery FFA Chapter the 2026 Grand Champion Market Goat. 

Rogers, a senior, entered the show ring for the final time not knowing she would come away with her first Montgomery County Fair title. Rogers described the feeling of shaking the judge’s hand, solidifying her title.

“I felt such a heavy sense of emotions,” Rogers said. “It’s my senior year and my one wish was to win the Montgomery County Fair, and I made it happen.”

Rogers took the time to thank her parents and support system for helping her achieve this milestone and the guidance they provided throughout her journey.

“I definitely could not have done this without them,” Rogers said. “They’ve always been in my corner and believed in me.”

Ryder Lira of the Splendora FFA Chapter also left the show ring with top honors. After being named Reserve Champion Market Goat, Lira reflected on the months of hard work and daily routines that led to the moment.

“It felt so good, just knowing that all those months of hard work had finally paid off.”

This is not the first buckle and banner the Lira family has taken home this year. Lira’s younger sister, Bristol, was named the 2026 Grand Champion Market Lamb on Sunday, April 12.

Lira said earning a top award in the same year as his sister was no small accomplishment, and he credited his friends and family for helping him reach his reserve champion moment.

Rogers and Lira will return to the fairgrounds for this year’s livestock auction, scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lone Star Convention Center. Buyers and supporters will have the opportunity to bid on the exhibitors’ animals, helping fund future livestock projects, college expenses and other opportunities for youth participants

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.