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THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands Christian Academy has a new eighth grader, Hayes Hoegemeyer, who is experiencing remarkable success at the Montgomery County Fair - the result of dedication, discipline, and a passion that started early.
Hayes first became involved in the fair in third grade, inspired by his older siblings, who were active participants themselves. What began as following in their footsteps has grown into an impressive record of accomplishments.
Hayes has earned Grand Champion Replacement Heifer titles in both 2022 and 2024, Reserve Grand Champion in 2025. And just this week, he made the steer sale when he won his class and got 12th overall, as well as winning the 2026 Grand Champion Brangus Heifer at the fair just this week. He has also participated in non-livestock competitions, earning an Honorable Mention for his quickbread muffins this year - placing in the top 20 out of 152 entries.
That’s correct, Hayes was not just showing a heifer but also a steer this year.
While the awards are significant, Hayes says the experience itself is what matters most.
“It’s really all year long,” he explained. “You just have to work really hard with it.”
Preparing for the fair involves daily care, feeding, and training of his animals. Hayes compares the process to “breaking a horse,” as building trust and consistency with the animal is essential.
Hayes’ family is a big reason he is successful.
“My dad helps me so much with it, I can't be more thankful for him,” Hayes shared.
One of the most demanding aspects of his work is the Replacement Heifer Program, which goes beyond just showing livestock. Participants must maintain detailed record books tracking expenses, complete written tests, participate in interviews, and attend clinics.
“It’s kind of like running a business,” Hayes said, noting how much he has learned about responsibility and financial management.“Showing a replacement heifer, although I’m not showing one this year, is probably my favorite thing to participate in for the fair.”
This year, Hayes raised a breeding heifer, one he also showed at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he placed ninth in his class. Events like these require not only skill, but endurance — long days that often begin early in the morning and end late at night. Hayes manages all of this while balancing school, baseball, and his first year at TWCA. He credits the experience with helping him develop strong time management skills.
“It can be really exhausting, but I also really like doing it. I have to feed them and get the steer big for the show because that’s what buyers want. I am getting up early before school to work and then sometimes staying up late to finish homework,” he said.
Hayes and his mom, Audra Hoegemeyer, shared that the Montgomery County Fair provides valuable financial benefits. Proceeds from livestock sales go directly into his college fund, just as they did for his older siblings, who each covered almost two years of their college tuition through their participation. The Montgomery County Fair Association also awards scholarships to local students each year, without requiring students to compete.
Through it all, Hayes says the experience has strengthened more than just his work ethic.
“There are times I’ve wanted to quit,” he admitted.“But my faith helps me push through. It just really gives me the drive to continue - like you have with God,” Hayes shared.
Because of Hayes’ work ethic and his ‘just get it done’ spirit, His steer sold for $17,000 plus add-ons that bring in additional contributions. All the money he raised will go into a fund to re-purchase another project for next year. He will also use those funds to help pay for the feed for his project next year, and then anything above and beyond will go toward his college.
With a growing list of achievements and a strong commitment to his goals, Hayes Hoegemeyer is a great example of how a strong work ethic can lead to great things - both in and out of the show ring.
