On Feb. 10, 2025, the Liberty FFA Breeding Heifer Show Team traveled to the 76th annual San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo to exhibit 12 head of American cattle. The FFA and Junior FFA members departed in the early hours of Monday morning with high hopes for success in San Antonio.
The show began early on the morning of Feb. 11. Cameron Ripkowski was the first exhibitor through the gate, with her grey Brahman placing first in class and returning to the ring for the calf division drive, where she was chosen for Reserve Grand Champion honors. Wyatt Parker placed seventh in his respective class with his grey Brahman heifer, Rose. The day continued with a competitive Red Brangus show, where Savannah Hanson placed seventh in her class. Madison Parker was first in class and selected as Grand Champion of the calf division with her red Brahman heifer, Reba. In the Brangus ring, Hallie Etheridge placed 10th in her class, and Keyli Scroggins finished fifth in hers.
The afternoon continued in the Beefmaster ring, where more than 180 head of Beefmasters were exhibited. Nate Stoesser placed first in a deep class, earning a trip back to the ring for the calf division champion drive. Kaden Stevens was fourth in class with his Beefmaster heifer, Brooke. Payton Hanson placed fifth in class with her ARB Brangus Built heifer, while Makenna Fregia was seventh in her class with her ARB-F1 heifer, Penelope.
The American Breeding Heifer Show concluded with the Santa Gertrudis breed, where 112 head were exhibited. Landon Williamson had a great day in the ring, placing second in class and competing in his first-ever division drive for the opportunity at Reserve Junior Heifer Division. Fiona Joseph won her class, Grand Junior Division Drive, and was named Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis Heifer, earning a $10,000 scholarship, the 2025 banner, a buckle, and the opportunity to exhibit her heifer in the American Supreme Champion Drive.
On Feb. 12, the Simmental-Simbrah Superbowl was held in conjunction with the San Antonio Livestock Show, where Emma Claire Wiggins exhibited the Reserve Champion percentage Simmental Heifer. Competitors must compete in their age division’s showmanship class to qualify for the heifer show. Emma placed third overall in her showmanship class.
On Wednesday, the ag teachers and Wave One showmen returned to Liberty to swap out calves before heading back to San Antonio for the Exotic Wave Two Heifer Show. Cattle were walked, fed, and pampered in preparation for the show, which began early on Feb. 14. Jessie Riojas and her Hereford heifer, Nora, started the day in the north arena, placing third in class. The Limousin heifer show took place in the south ring, where Tristen Purswell and her heifer, Lovey, finished fifth in class. Emma Claire Wiggins exhibited her heifer, Lottie, in the Chianina show, placing fourth in a deep class.
Rounding out the evening and the 2025 San Antonio Breeding Heifer Show for Liberty FFA, Cash Broom exhibited his Braunvieh heifer, Lola, in the ORB (Other Registered Breeds) category, where he placed 12th in class.
The San Antonio Livestock Exposition recognizes a Supreme Overall Champion, breed champions, division winners, and each animal shown in its respective class. These FFA members dedicate many hours to practicing in the arena, preparing, feeding, bathing, exercising, and caring for their show projects. They balance their classwork while supporting each of their fellow show team members.
“The Liberty FFA Advisors are proud of each and every one of our Showmen. We appreciate the time and dedication of the parents and family members who are involved with their FFA Members! We love our Liberty FFAmily! Good Luck in Houston next month,” said Brittany Purswell, agriculture science teacher for Liberty ISD.