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Hi, I am Hadley Hendrickson, a 19-year-old first-year college student, at Purdue University. This year, I was a 10 year 4-H member. On the night of August 9th, I walked onto the dirt for the very last time with my crossbred steer, Arnold, and had the incredible opportunity to be selected as the 2026 Grand Champion Steer at the Indiana State Fair. Having the opportunity to compete in the Grand Drive at the Indiana State Fair during my tenth year of 4-H was an accomplishment that my family and I were already beyond proud of, but receiving the Grand Champion slap under the lights and hearing the roar of the Coliseum was a feeling unlike any other. The time and effort it took to get that steer into the showring was an accomplishment in itself because he was not the nicest baby calf at home, let alone when I tried to take him to a show. Having the opportunity
to grow together and build a bond while working through that obstacle was such a long but memorable experience. I remember telling my parents that I did not think I would ever get to show him, but through the countless hours in the barn and cooler, Arnold and I developed a bond and trust that was unmatched. Seeing him show the way he did in the Coliseum was such a proud moment for me because I got to see just how far he had come. The night of the Grand Drive was a mixture of laughs, tears, and hugs, but most importantly, it was a time to remember all the memories I have shared with my show family over the past ten years. Although the realization that I would be showing in the Coliseum for the last time was difficult, I can only sit back and reflect on the incredible show career
I have experienced with the best people in the best industry. Having the opportunity to be involved in this industry from such an early age has been one of my greatest gifts, and the memories I have made with my family and show family are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life. As I look back at my last 17 years of being in the ring, I have learned so many lessons. Now, I could tell you about the lessons I have learned along the way, like work ethic, leadership skills, and humility, but I want to share something that many people do not think about enough. One of the most important lessons I have learned within the livestock industry is that it not only prepares you for the future, but it provides you with the opportunity to leave a mark on the people that you leave behind.
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