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For this small-town girl, it all began with a mini Hereford steer named “Lucky.” One of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever received came when I was five years old. My big brother gave me a mini Hereford steer—and from that moment on, I was hooked. Having an animal of my very own sparked a deep interest in showing cattle. Hello, my name is Olivia Maddox. I am 14 years old and from Geraldine, Alabama, a small town in rural northeast Alabama. I’m currently a freshman at Geraldine High School. Growing up on the farm, cattle have always been part of my life. In my early childhood our farm focused on commercial cow/calf. When I was younger, I would ride through the pastures with my grandfather to check on the cows. At the time, all I really knew was that the new calves were cute. My brother Cody started showing Herefords when I was 4. When he aged out, my sister Hannah picked up the reins. As we began going to shows, I started participating in Pee Wee Showmanship. Of course, Cody made sure I was using the proper form! At the time, it felt like I’d never reach the magical age of nine so I could finally show on my own. In 2019, we went to Batesville, Mississippi for the Southeastern Regional Hereford Show, where I
competed in Pee Wee Showmanship. I won a buckle for Reserve Champion— and that one buckle lit a fire in me. I didn’t just want to keep showing—I wanted to keep winning! Since then, I’ve shown Herefords, Charolais, Simmental, and Gelbvieh/ Balancer cattle. When my brother began working for TJB Gelbvieh and Bickett Genetics in 2021, he was determined to get TJB-bred females in the winner’s circle in Alabama and on the national stage. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a Balancer heifer in the Top 5 in Alabama for the past two years. It is every showman’s dream to lead a heifer that is selected as the Champion female for their breeds National Junior Show. I never dreamed I’d be on the end of the halter of a National Champion Gelbvieh heifer at the AGJA National Classic. A huge “Thank You” goes to Dr. Todd and Alisa Bickett for trusting me to represent their cattle. They have been huge supporters of me. But my brother Cody deserves far more than just a thank you. He has worked so hard for this, and I’m so proud that I got to be the one to bring his hard work to the showring. Having a brother like Cody is the best feeling in the world. He makes sure we’re at the ring on time, walks me in, and is always waiting for me when I come out. He lines up the best fitting crew, plans every detail, and does more
behind the scenes than I’ll probably ever know. I’m forever grateful to have him in my corner. One of my favorite things about showing cattle is that it’s truly a family affair. At most shows, all five of us are together. With both Cody and Hannah living on their own, that doesn’t happen as often anymore—so I treasure those times even more. Cody is the mastermind behind everything cattle for us: from feeding, to hair care, to show day strategy. Hannah uses her vacation time to help out at shows. She does everything from washing and drying heifers to making food runs and keeping the cooler stocked. She’s one of my biggest cheerleaders. My dad hauls us to the shows, helps unload everything, and helps with setup. My mom is the backbone of our family. She is the most selfless person I know—always putting our needs and wants ahead of her own. None of us would be who we are without her. She’s always there for my siblings and I, and I’m incredibly grateful for her love and support. This journey has been full of early mornings, late nights, hard work, grit, passion, and dedication. To everyone who’s been a part of it— thank you. Here’s to big dreams, hard work, and unforgettable memories. ●
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