Hood County teen wins Fort Worth Stock Show junior grand champion steer

Caiman Cody and his steer White Castle take top honors at the annual livestock competition.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Caiman Cody, a 13-year-old from Tolar, Texas, and his steer White Castle were named the junior grand champion at the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Junior Sale of Champions. Cash Goretska, a 16-year-old from Abilene, and his European crossbred steer Cheeto were crowned reserve champion.

Why it matters

The junior steer show is one of the most popular events at the Fort Worth Stock Show, attracting young livestock exhibitors from across Texas to compete for the prestigious grand champion title. This competition helps foster the next generation of ranchers and farmers in the state.

The details

Over 1,500 Texas kids showed their steers at the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Junior Sale of Champions. Cody, who has been showing steers for four years, said his winning steer White Castle is "super sweet" and "my buddy." Goretska's reserve champion steer Cheeto is a "home-grown calf" that his family raised from birth.

  • The junior steer show took place on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The auction for the champion and reserve champion steers is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Caiman Cody

A 13-year-old from Tolar, Texas who won the junior grand champion steer title with his steer White Castle.

White Castle

Cody's European breed steer that was named the junior grand champion.

Cash Goretska

A 16-year-old from Abilene, Texas whose European crossbred steer Cheeto was named the reserve champion.

Cheeto

Goretska's "home-grown calf" that his family raised from birth.

Mattison Koepp

A 16-year-old from La Vernia, Texas who was named grand champion in 2025 with her American Crossbred steer Alley Cat, which sold for nearly $400,000.

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What they’re saying

“He's super sweet. He's my buddy.”

— Caiman Cody

“I'm just trying to take it in. I've always dreamed about this show.”

— Cash Goretska

What’s next

The auction for the champion and reserve champion steers is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This competition highlights the importance of the livestock industry in Texas and the passion of young exhibitors who are dedicated to raising and showing their animals. The high-profile grand champion title and lucrative auction prices demonstrate the value placed on these animals and the pride the exhibitors take in their work.