Henry County Youth Livestock Show | Grey Mixon

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Meet Grey & Dr. Pepper

Our Story

Five years of hogs, steers, barns, and blue ribbons — here’s how I got here, and who helps me along the way.

Grey Mixon working with her steer Dr. Pepper in the show ring practice pen ahead of the Henry County Youth Livestock Show

Welcome

A Little Bit About Grey Mixon

I’ve been involved in livestock shows for the last five years. In 2022, I showed a hog named Marshmallow at the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show, part of the Okeechobee County Fair in Okeechobee, FL. That taught me a lot about “show life” and helped prepare me for what was next.

I moved to my Papaw’s farm in Paris, TN three years ago, where he raises Romagnola cattle. He encouraged me to show a steer in the Henry County Youth Livestock Show, part of the Henry County Fair here in Paris, TN. It was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot about cows that I didn’t know — including that they’re a lot more work than a hog!

Since then I’ve shown three steers before this year: Chip, Dion, and Sir Loin. Each one taught me something new about responsibility, patience, and hard work. You can read more about all of them on my Past Projects page.

Grey Mixon with her steer Dr. Pepper during show preparation for the Henry County Youth Livestock Show
This year’s project

Dr. Pepper

I’m excited to show Dr. Pepper this year at the Henry County Youth Livestock Show. He’s got a deep red coat, a big appetite, and (most days) a calm attitude in the ring. Being part of this event is more than just showing an animal; it’s about learning responsibility, dedication, and the value of hard work.

What I’ve learned

Show Life is a Great Life

Grey Mixon feeding her steer Dr. Pepper as part of her daily 4-H chores in Paris, TN

Show Life is Hard Work

Dr. Pepper has to be fed every morning and every night. Then I need to bathe him often to keep his hair in perfect condition, and work with him all the time so he'll be ready for the show.

Grey Mixon working with her steer Dr. Pepper, learning responsibility through her 4-H livestock project

Show Life is About Learning

Working with my steers has taught me about responsibility, hard work, and the basics of expenses and running a small business.

Dr. Pepper, Grey Mixon's steer, resting in the barn ahead of the Henry County Youth Livestock Show

Show Life is About Family

I work with my steer a whole lot, but I still need help from my family sometimes. With their help, I've been able to keep up with my school work too.

Grey Mixon on the family farm with her steer Dr. Pepper in Paris, TN

Show Life is About My Future

Money that I make from my shows goes toward my education. I haven't decided exactly what I want to study yet, but I want to be prepared to afford school.

New lessons & new friends

Support is a Key to Success

Not only did showing teach me some great lessons, I also got to make some wonderful friends and lean on my family.

Grey Mixon's 2024 steer Dion in the barn on the family farm in Paris, TN
Papaw

Dr. Chuck Lyons

My Papaw raises Romagnola cattle on his farm here in Paris, TN, and it’s his barn where I keep and train my steers. He taught me the basics of working with cattle and encouraged me to give the Henry County show a try in the first place.

Grey Mixon's steer Dion winning Grand Champion Steer at the Dickson County Spring Festival, 2024
Family

Mom & Dad

My family comes to every wash, every weigh-in, and every show. Their support is what makes it possible for me to balance school, Speech Team, and a livestock project all at once.

Grey Mixon washing her steer Dion ahead of the Henry County Youth Livestock Show
Little Sister

Poppy

Helping my little sister, Poppy, with her own steer project has taught me a lot too. Showing isn’t something any of us do alone, and I love getting to pass on what I’ve learned to her.

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