Chasing Dreams: Carter's Calf Scramble Journey
His heart was pounding. He felt the heat of the lights at NRG Stadium and the cold bead of sweat slowly racing down his forehead. His vision was cloudy from the kicked-up dirt from the chuck-wagon event moments prior. The cheers and screams of 40,000 attendees became faint to him, almost non-existent. His focus was one thing and one thing only—to win this year's Calf Scramble.
A unique event, the Calf Scramble. It is a charitable and competitive event hosted each night at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) – The world's largest livestock show and rodeo. Thirty students, ages 14-18, and members of the 4-H or FFA (Future Farmers of America) compete against each other for the ultimate prize, a certificate worth $1,750, which can be used to purchase a registered beef heifer or market steer. The winner must show the calf at the following year's rodeo. Thirty will compete, but only 15 will be victorious. Let the games begin!
All 30 contestants were called to the center of the arena to stand with their fellow competitors. One by one, everyone watched and waited. Moments later, the announcer said his name: "Carter Hughes."
Carter Hughes, a young but determined and ambitious student from Mauriceville, TX, and part of the Deweyville FFA, was raised in a showing cattle family. His father showed Brangus Heifers, his uncles showed Charolais and Santa Gertrudis steers, and his aunt showed Charolais steers. At an early age, Carter knew he wanted to show cattle when he got older and wanted to continue his family's legacy. Now 16, he already had a taste for show animals when he showed and sold his goat, Pedro, at the Newton County Fair last year, placing sixth overall. Pedro was the ultimate test to see if he had the discipline to raise the mighty heifer.
After all 30 contestants were called to the center, the gate opened, and 15 calves of all different sizes and colors raced into the arena. Shortly afterward, a man threw his hat in the air to signal the competition had begun. Immediately, the kids scrambled for the calves. The competition? To catch one of the 15 calves, tie a harness around them and pull it back towards the center arena. Although very entertaining to watch from the stands, these kids gave it their all. Running, pulling, and even jumping on the calves, the competitors were determined to win. One competitor even tackled a calf to ensure a victory. Their fight was fierce! After several minutes, all the calves were dragged to the center. And the crowd roared with excitement and celebration. The Calf Scramble was over.
After the event, all the winners poured into the waiting area to meet their sponsors. Each sponsor was matched with a winner from the competition. Then emerged Carter. Still winded from the competition, he radiated energy and enthusiasm. He and his parents expressed gratitude for the sponsored donation, marking a significant achievement in Carter's journey as a young cattle enthusiast.
Months later, still riding the high of excitement from his win, Carter's dream finally became a reality when he added the newest member to his family—a Golden certified F-1 Braford heifer named Ruby-Red. Born in March of 2024, Ruby-Red stood out among the other calves. She possessed the most femininity, tracked well, had a solid back, and was an all-around stunning heifer. Carter chose an F-1 Braford for their appealing patterns and vital traits, such as parasite and heat tolerance, which are essential for his area.
Carter is thrilled about the possibilities ahead with Ruby-Red. This has been his dream ever since he can remember. After graduation, he aims to own a ranch and cultivate a string of admirable genetics throughout his herd, continuing the Bradford legacy.
Carter has already shown Ruby at the Winnie Rice Festival, the Newton County Fair, and the Possum Bluff Prospect Show to sharpen his show skills and learn more about maintaining cattle. Showing at these events will also help him connect with others who share his passion, providing valuable knowledge for his heifer project.
Carter is excited for this opportunity to have a heifer calf of his own and cannot wait to see what the future holds.