Jasper Belew claimed the Grand Champion Steer honors at the 2026 Mount Vernon / Saltillo Young Farmers Project Show. Belew is a member of the Franklin County 4H Chapter. The prize steer was purchased by Professional Underground for $7,000.
Close behind was Riley Flowers, whose animal took the Reserve Champion Steer award. The Reserve Champion was purchased for $7,700 by Alliance Bank - Mount Vernon, 2S Feed & Ranch Supply, and Post Oak Ranch. Flowers, a Franklin County 4-H Chapter member, also took the Junior Showmanship Award for steers.
Jesus Gutierre, a Mount Vernon High School FFA member, took the Steer Weight Gain Award.
Exhibitors in the Steer Division not previously mentioned are listed by organization: Franklin County 4H, Kenlee Lyndell; Hopkins County 4H, Lani Dean; Saltillo Junior FFA, Wyatt Littrell, Kennedy Littrell, Avery Payne; and Saltillo FFA, Nate Garmon.
The show’s Steer Division awards have been the most sought-after honors. Over the years, competition has remained challenging. This year, the 11 steers and handlers qualifying for the 2026 Mount Vernon / Saltillo Young Farmers Project Show were no exception.
Photos by Baujke Talsma
