Tatum Bales, a senior at Greenwood High School, has spent the past nine years showing steers at the Midland County Stock Show, the Texas Majors and many national stock shows.   She is also an active member of the senior livestock judging teams for both Midland County 4-H and Greenwood FFA. Next year, Tatum plans to continue her livestock judging career at Blinn College in Brenham, TX. Her ultimate goal is to join the judging team at Texas A&M University, where she plans to earn a degree in Agribusiness.

The opportunities provided by Midland County 4-H, Greenwood FFA, and MCLA have been instrumental in shaping Tatum’s passion for agriculture and guiding her future career aspirations. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement she has received throughout her journey and would like to extend heartfelt thanks to those who have played a meaningful role in her success.

"I would first like to thank my family, especially my parents, for their incredible dedication, time, energy, and countless miles spent traveling to and from stock shows. I am also grateful to my aunts and uncles, Mark and Tammy Bales and Daryl and Susan Bales, and their families, as well as our AggieTech family.

Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to my 'stock show' family for their unwavering support and encouragement. Thank you to Jonathan and Randi Nix, Ky and Randi Smith , Kevin Crawford, Isi and Lisa Covarubbia, Brent and Brantly Hoover, the Robinett family, the Bennett family, Kodie Hoover, the Morrison family, the Holland family, and Steve Paz. Your kindness and guidance have made a lasting impact on my life."