Linn County Junior Prevails In Market Steer Contest

Mikaela Rojas of New Boston stands with her steer shortly after winning Grand Champion at the 2022 Missouri State Fair. Rojas’ steer is a cross bred weighing 1310 pounds. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

Tuesday morning’s downpour on the Missouri State Fairgrounds became a cascade of celebration inside the historic Coliseum, when Mikaela Rojas of New Boston was named exhibitor of the Grand Champion Steer. The 1310-pound crossbred steer prevailed after 48 classes of competition, earning top honors in the 4-H division. Rojas spoke to Regional Radio shortly after claiming Grand Champion.

Central MO Info · 22 0817 Mikaela Rojas upon her steer winning Grand Champion

Rojas says preparing her steer during the morning rain might have been just as difficult as the show itself.

Central MO Info · 22 0817 Mikaela Rojas on battling the rain before competing in the Coliseum

The Linn County junior will make her second trip to the Sale of Champions, having shown the Reserve Grand Champion steer in 2019. She reflects on what she’s improved on since then.

Central MO Info · 22 0817 Mikaela Rojas on improvements since earning Reserve Grand Champion in 2019

Laurin Dilly of Deerfield positions her steer during the Grand Champion Drive at the 120th Missouri State Fair. Dilly’s 1350-pound crossbred steer earned Reserve Grand Champion.

This year’s Reserve Grand Champion was also a crossbred weighing 1350 pounds, shown by Laurin Dilly of Deerfield. The reserve champions in both 4-H and FFA were from Northern Missouri. Grady Whitcock of Macon had the reserve in the 4-H division with a crossbred weighing 1315 pounds, while Dalton Hoover of Tina had the FFA purebred champion, a Charolais composite weighing 1370 pounds.

Before the Grand Champion drive, 15 exhibitors received recognition as the top five in each beef showmanship division. Centralia FFA’s Jenna Hasekamp earned the overall championship, winning the senior division.