Pictured with the new Big Ben livestock trailer are (from left) Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate members Howard Pena and Bob Akin; Lindale High School principal Jamie Holder; Lindale FFA’er and Grand Champion steer exhibitor Whitney Holcomb; Lindale FFA advisors Robert Reynolds and Michael Hunter, and Whitney’s father Mike Holcomb. -- Staff photo by Montgomery

March 9, 2006 - As the Lindale ISD is facing budget cut hardships, there is been a bright spot in their agricultural department. 

Recently, Lindale High School junior and FFA member Whitney Holcomb won the Grand Champion steer title at the 2006 Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth. The win not only netted $160,000 (before taxes) for the 16-year-old exhibitor, but a new, 16-foot trailer, built by Big Ben trailers, a business in the West Texas region. The trailer was donated to the Lindale FFA during a Feb. 28 ceremony.

Bob Akin, chairman of the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate, along with Howard Pena, vice president of finance at Amsco Steel and Syndicate member, made the official presentation to the chapter on Feb. 28. The duo also brought their own catering group, Cousin’s Barbeque from Fort Worth, to serve a brisket/sausage/rib plate to the FFA chapter, their parents, and special guests. 

“This is the second year in a row that a trailer has been given to the chapter of the winning steer,” Akin said. 

Akin presented the trailer title to High School Principal Jamie Holder, who in turn, presented it to FFA advisors Michael Hunter and Robert Reynolds. 

Holder remarked to the audience that he knew how much the ag department works. “This is a credit to all of you.”

Whitney’s Grand Champion steer, named “Cool,” gained a unique living arrangement following the Sale of Champions in Fort Worth. Cool, an Angus, will be housed at the Fort Worth Zoo for one year. After that, David Simpson, who purchased the steer, will take the animal, according to Akin.

After learning of her top win, Whitney explained that she couldn’t stop smiling. “My mouth looked lilke I had a (clothes) hanger in it.”

Whitney noted the win in Fort Worth was the biggest thus far in her livestock showing career. She has been showing since the seventh grade. Previously, her best accolade was a Reserve Grand Champion steer win at the State Fair of Texas.

Her next venture is expected to be at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but if the “show date” for another steer she owns falls on the same day as cheerleading tryouts, Whitney said a substitute will show her steer.

But one thing for sure, the Lindale FFA members will show off the new trailer when they haul their show projects to the Houston competition.