Agricultural heritage is a source of pride for many Seadrift-area families, and this year, Seadrift, Texas was well-represented at several state-level livestock shows.
A standout this year was Calhoun High School senior and Seadrift local, Justice Epley, son of Durwin and Stacie Epley, and grandson of Kathy and George Harper from Port O’Connor. Justice, who has been showing cattle for 10 years, represented his hometown well with the caretaking and presentation of his Simbrah heifer, Denali. Justice bred and raised Denali at his Seadrift ranch from a former show heifer, Indy, who won him many buckles, banners, and ribbons. Justice was strategic and selective about the bull to pair Indy with, and invested into genetics that would combine power and quality into an offspring that would compete well in the show ring. That product was Denali, and she was the perfect show heifer to present for Justice’s senior year. Justice won 3rd at the Fort Worth Stock Show, 4th at the San Antonio Stock Show, 2nd in the Simmental/Simbrah Superbowl in San Antonio, Champion 18 year old showman at the Simmental/Simbrah Superbowl in San Antonio, 2nd at the Houston Livestock Show, 2nd at Rodeo Austin, Breed Reserve Champion at the Saddle and Sirloin show, 3rd at the Dallas State Fair open show, 4th at the Dallas State Fair Junior Show, 3rd overall Senior showman at the Dallas State Fair Junior Show, and 5th at the state Simbrah show’s bred and owned category.
Also representing Calhoun County 4-H (with a Seadrift family connection) at this year’s Texas major livestock shows was Madison Cossey and Beth Boone.
Maddie is the daughter of Crystal and Jeremiah Cossey, and her grandparents from Seadrift are Monte and Sandy Moncrief and the late Paula Moncrief. Maddie is a Travis Middle School 8th grader who trained, cared for, and exhibited her Santa Gertrudis heifer, Shotzie, at several Texas major shows this year. Maddie and Shotzie won 3rd at the Dallas State Fair, 12th at the Fort Worth Stock Show, 5th at the San Antonio Stock Show, 8th at the Houston Livestock Show, and 8th at Rodeo Austin. A fun fact about the Cosseys is that Maddie’s mother Crystal also showed Santa Gertrudis heifers when she was in 4-H and won Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis Heifer at Houston in the 90s. This was Maddie’s first year to show a heifer at the major shows.
Beth is the daughter of Amy and Ben Boone, and her grandparents from Seadrift are Lynn Pfeifer and the late Mike Pfeifer. This was Beth’s second year to show her Seadrift ranch-raised, Brahman heifer, Fannie, at the San Antonio Stock Show and the Houston Livestock Show. Fannie is a practical Brahman heifer that Beth pulled out of the pasture and decided to halter train, feed, and exhibit. Beth and Fannie placed 8th in San Antonio and participated in Houston. A fun fact is that Beth also owns Fannie’s mother, material grandmother, material grandfather, father, and paternal grandmother at her ranch. Most of Fannie’s ancestors were raised by Beth and currently graze on the outskirts of Seadrift. In addition to showing a heifer this year, Beth also showed a Simbrah steer at Houston. Beth brought her steer back home and will be tagging him in to show again at the Calhoun County Fair in October. Beth’s mother, Amy, showed Santa Gertrudis heifers with the Moncriefs in the 90s. Her dad, Ben, showed goats at the state major shows in the 90s. Beth is a freshman at Calhoun High School and is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Seadrift.
Beth and Frannie
Justice, Maddie, and Beth are members of the Calhoun County 4-H.
The Cossey and Boone family would like to congratulate their friend and cattle show advisor Justice on his senior year achievements and thank him for his leadership and support. The Epley family has encouraged, advised, and organized plans for the show team’s participation in the major shows. The Epleys are an asset to the Calhoun County 4-H and our local cattle ranching community.
Amy Boone
Justice and Denali
