By David Taylor / Managing Editor
The Aldine ISD community gathered at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center from January 28-30, 2026, to celebrate the district’s 67th annual FFA (Future Farmers of America) Livestock Show—one of the largest showcases for students in the Agriculture Science and Technology Education Program since its inception in 1959.
Serving over 1,000 students across five FFA chapters, the Aldine ISD FFA program offers a wide range of competitive and leadership experiences. This year’s event featured more than 60 students in the welding contest, 130 livestock exhibitors, 50 agriscience fair projects, and nearly 100 students leading educational tours for younger peers.
Building on last year’s fundraising success—when the community raised $209,815 to support students—all proceeds from the show go directly back to participants, helping fund their education or future projects.
This year, however, the buyers knocked the ball out of the park.
This year’s total, so far, has reached $242,000 making it a new all-time record for both live sales and grand total, according to an excited Jennifer Gonzalez, program director of career and technical education, who expressed optimism for continued community involvement.
“This year’s Aldine ISD Livestock Show was bigger and better. The barns are full, the students were ready, and our community saw an exciting event that celebrates dedication, agriculture, and student success. As a former Aldine ISD FFA member and agriculture teacher, my goal remains to make this show more successful each year,” Gonzalez said.
For many students, the livestock show is the culmination of a year’s hard work. MacArthur High School senior Hugo Campa, Jr., shared his journey.
“I’ve been raising animals for about three years. I started my sophomore year doing chickens and lambs and ended up placing with my chickens and not my lambs. Going on to my junior year, I did chickens and lambs again and I placed for both of them and I got grand champion showmanship for my lamb last year. Then this year I didn’t do chickens and I put all my time into my lamb and I got grand champion market,” he said excited.
He was so in the moment; he didn’t even remember how much the lamb sold for. It was $4,250 before any add-ons.
Campa plans to use his winnings for college tuition as he heads to Texas A&M to major in ecology and conservation biology. He credits his love for animals to his grandparents’ ranch and describes the daily dedication required.
“I just love going to the barn every day, putting my work and dedication into those animals and really just building a bond and a connection between both animal and me, and it’s just, it’s really enjoyable,” he said enthusiastically.
His routine starts before sunrise, feeding animals before classes, followed by band practice and evening care for his lamb, Flaca (which means skinny). Campa’s innovative training methods and care helped him win the grand champion market lamb, a testament to his perseverance and learning from experienced peers.
“At the progress shows, I was competing against those who had a lot more animal experience, and it was a learning time for me,” Campa reflected.
Looking ahead, Campa is excited to continue his academic journey and grateful for the support he’s received.
“I’m thankful for my parents. They helped me. They supported me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. And I give it all to them, and to the Lord,” he concluded.
The Aldine ISD FFA Livestock Show remains a vibrant celebration of student achievement, community support, and the enduring values of agriculture and education. The results are posted online at www.nenews.com.
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