Ressler named Grand Champion

  • Fifteen Hallettsville FFA/4-H members competed in last week’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Commercial Steer Contest with Jake Ressler named Grand Champion out of 154 competitors. As a result, Ressler was awarded a brand new Ford Truck. Ryan Janak finished third overall, while Rylan Marak was a Top Finalist. Front from left are Ashlyn Pustka, Landry Whitley, Tanner Pustka, Jake Ressler, Abby Ressler, Holly Ressler and Trevor Phillips.
    Fifteen Hallettsville FFA/4-H members competed in last week’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Commercial Steer Contest with Jake Ressler named Grand Champion out of 154 competitors. As a result, Ressler was awarded a brand new Ford Truck. Ryan Janak finished third overall, while Rylan Marak was a Top Finalist. Front from left are Ashlyn Pustka, Landry Whitley, Tanner Pustka, Jake Ressler, Abby Ressler, Holly Ressler and Trevor Phillips.

    The community of Hallettsville was well represented at this year’s Houston Livestock Show Junior Commercial Steer Contest with three of them picking up some top honors, including Hallettsville FFA member Jake Ressler being named Grand Champion. Overall, 15 FFA and 4-H students participated in last week’s contest. In the initial competition, Ressler, Rylan Marak and Ryan Janak each earned a spot as a Top 8 Finalist and were awarded a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) belt buckle and $1,000 in cash.

    After going through a grueling interview with beef industry professionals, Ressler was selected the Grand Champion of the contest and Janak picked up the overall third place honor.

    As a result, Ressler was awarded a brand new Ford Truck along with a custom HLRS Belt Buckle. Janak’s third place finish earned him a $5,000 cash prize and a touchscreen tablet. Regarding other individual awards won by Ressler included Top Test Score, Top Meat Identification, and Top Final Interview each area awarded cash prizes. With Ressler winning the Grand Champion and Janak placing third, the success of the Hallettsville Junior Commercial Steer Program continues its long and rich tradition of success.

    “We can now boast of having six Grand Champions since 2001,” Hallettsville FFA advisor/sponsor, Heath Ressler said. “The future is bright for each and every one of the exhibitors who chooses to participate in this intensive program. The Hallettsville FFA would like to thank all of our longtime community supporters for their commitment to this program. They know, just as each exhibitor will remember, that the skills learned and relationships built in this event will last a lifetime.”