No doubt livestock shows, rodeos, shopping and concerts are major draws at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. But another facet of the event and one that continues to grow each year, is its wide array of youth competitive educational and leadership contests.

During this year’s show, more than 30 contests will be offered for Texas FFA and 4-H members. These competitions draw individuals and teams from across the state, along with FFA advisors, county extension agents, parents, and enthusiastic supporters who fill the contest rooms/awards assemblies with encouragement and energy.

“Since 1949, we’ve been committed to creating meaningful opportunities for youth through livestock and agriculture-related events,” said Sterling Pieniazek, competitive events manager. “These experiences allow students to showcase their knowledge and skills while also helping prepare them for future careers and leadership roles. We’re always looking for ways to grow and improve, and when new or innovative competition opportunities arise, we make a strong effort to bring them to life.”

Livestock judging is among the longest-running contests at the show, with both collegiate and youth divisions. Beyond traditional livestock judging, the show also hosts contests in horse, meat, wool, dairy, floriculture, nursery landscape, poultry, and wildlife judging.

Another rapidly expanding segment is skillathon contests. These events test participants’ knowledge of a specific species through written exams and hands-on identification stations. Topics may include nutrition, health, breeds, anatomy and physiology, management, and related content for beef, swine, sheep, horses, and meat animals.

Ag mechanics and tractor restoration contests showcase another impressive set of skills developed by Texas youth. Visitors who have never viewed the ag mechanics projects are encouraged to do so during the final weekend of the show. On display are trailers, farm equipment, deer stands, barbecue pits, and more. These are designed and built by students of all ages.

Students’ creativity is also on display through the western art competition, which features entries from across the state in multiple age divisions. The talent, craftsmanship, and attention to detail found in these works continue to impress show attendees year after year.

Public speaking remains one of the most popular and competitive contests at the San Antonio show.  Contestants range from as young as eight or nine years old through high school seniors. Depending on age division, participants deliver four- to eight-minute speeches on agricultural topics and respond to judges’ questions. These contests are open to spectators, offering the public a firsthand look at the poise and confidence of Texas youth.

Additional contests include taxidermy, floriculture, barbecue cook-offs, food challenges, agribiotics, science fair, consumer decision making, photography and more.

“New this year, we’re introducing the ag product identification contest, where participants will identify 30 Texas agricultural products and answer a question related to each item,” Pieniazek said. “This will also be the second year for the taxidermy contest, and we’re excited to see its continued growth and increased interest.”

Many of these contests are eligible for scholarship funding for champions and top placings. For the 2025–2026 year, the show is awarding a total of $1,865,000 in scholarships across multiple areas, including junior ag mechanics, the livestock show, pitmaster challenge, taxidermy, vaquero cook-off, and western art. These scholarships recognize hard work and dedication while supporting students’ continued education.

As with all events, at the stock show and rodeo, volunteers play a critical role in planning and executing these competitions.

“With the number of contests we run, it really comes down to people and planning,” Pieniazek said. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have more than 7,000 dedicated volunteers who help bring the event to life each year. Whether it’s managing contests or supporting livestock shows, they consistently show up ready to work. We also rely on a strong team of superintendents and interns, along with long-standing partnerships with universities such as Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Tarleton State, Texas A&M–Kingsville, Blinn College, West Texas A&M, and Palo Alto College. It truly is a team effort from start to finish.”

While livestock shows remain the foundation of youth competition at the show, the organization continues to raise the bar by expanding opportunities that develop leadership, practical skills, and career-building experiences, while recognizing the talent and dedication of Texas youth.

Be sure to view the daily schedule at sarodeo.com, and this year make time to step into a contest or two. From judging rooms to speaking stages, you’ll see firsthand how this stock show is shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders.