This weekend and next 480 Texas 4-H and FFA students will participate in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s 2021 Calf Scramble, taking place at the Katy ISD Rodeo Arena, Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center, 5801 Katy Hockley Cut Off Rd.
It’s a traditional fan-favorite event each year at NRG Stadium during each Houston Rodeo performance, and to keep the tradition going for 2021, organizers have an alternative location to ensure Texas 4-H and FFA members have a chance to participate.
A total of 258 certificates will be awarded to students who catch a calf during the run of the event. Winning students each receive a $1,750 certificate to apply toward the purchase of a registered beef heifer or market steer to exhibit at the 2022 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
With the drop of a cowboy hat, 15 calves are released into the arena for 30 Texas 4-H and FFA members to chase and attempt to catch.
Returning as an exhibitor the following year, the winning students show in a special competition with other calf scramble and judging contest winners. The student receives a $500 bonus if program requirements are fulfilled throughout the year.
Program requirements include keeping record of program expenses, sharing monthly reports and pictures with their donors, writing two essays about their project, and a stall display when they return to the Show.
Calf Scramble exhibitors from 2020 who returned with their heifer or steer projects to compete at the 2021 Houston Livestock Show received more than $100,000 in premiums and awards. Since the program’s inception in 1942, approximately $14.8 million in certificates and awards has been distributed to more than 21,800 students.
photo courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo