STANTON, Texas —
When you live and work on a cotton farm full time that’s been in your family for generations, as well as spend a lot of time competing in livestock shows, it’s no wonder that Jade Stone had to opt for homeschooling in order to keep pursuing his passions.
“Oh, Jade has always been a farmer. He's pretty much an old soul and an 18-year-old body, but he's a good kid. He works so hard," said Courtney Stone, Jade Stone's mother. "He dedicates himself 1000% and I couldn't ask him to do any more than what he does.”
When he won the Grand Champion Steer Competition at the State Fair of Texas in early October, Jade Stone couldn’t be happier.
However, he knows that wins like these don’t always come from going at it alone.
“My family has been a great supporter in this. They've always pushed me to do my best and another thing I can say is that it's a very great blessing and I thank the Lord above for helping and giving me the animal to participate with, and it takes a village to do all this,” said Jade Stone.
Jade Stone was also taught that it’s important to have a good mindset no matter what.
“The one thing that I have always preached to my kids is you better, no matter what you do, no matter what the outcome is, you better be a great winner and an even better loser, and in my opinion, that's what makes a great competitor,” said Courtney Stone.
Those are words that he still lives by to this day.
He also had some words for any other kids or teens wanting to get into livestock shows.
“Set your goals. Work hard at it. Dedicate yourself on how you're going to do it and just do your best and all you can do is try and hope for the best in the end,” said Jade Stone.