We caught up with Mr. Madden Wise, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Austin. Learn a little more about Madden below!

What school do you attend/grade are you in?
Senior at Early High school

Leading up to the show, did you always know this lamb was special? What made him special?
My Houston lamb was special to me because of his extreme hip width; something the judge even called out over the microphone, saying it was “the widest handling hip he had ever laid his hands on.” That massive hip also came with its challenges, as it sometimes made him look less level. But after spending time working with him in the mirror at home, I learned how to recognize that and show it out of him. What made it even more meaningful was that he was raised by Ty Allen and Cooper Newcomb, the same people who’ve placed the majority of my animals throughout my show career.

My Austin sheep was often a barn favorite and held an undefeated record at jackpot shows. His name was Grizzly Bear, and he was by far the most ignorant sheep I’ve ever shown; at least until about a month before Austin. Despite tons of practice, he always misbehaved at home, especially on the stand. Honestly, it was a miracle that he even let Tate shear his head. Grizz was raised by Chance Neff, who also raised most of the animals I showed during my first year. Having him in my string at Austin felt like a true full circle moment.

Getting to win a TX Major is a huge accomplishment, who would you like to thank for helping you get here?
Between Houston and Austin, the village it took to get here is owed more than words. First and foremost, I owe every bit of the life I’ve been fortunate enough to live in this industry to my dad and Amber. My dad set the bar high with his own years of showing and taught me the value of doing things right the first time. He pushed me to give everything I had, and because of that, I’ll walk away from this chapter with no regrets.

I don’t think “thank you” even comes close to expressing the gratitude I have for Tate. He’s dealt with every speed bump and hurdle my family has thrown his way with nothing but patience and grit. If there’s one person this journey wouldn’t have been possible without, it’s him. Tate never let me settle for less than perfect, even when I wasn’t the easiest person to coach. He took softened punches, endured frustration, and most importantly; shed just as much blood, sweat, and tears as I did, asking nothing in return. For that, I’ll always be grateful.

Ty Allen and Cooper Newcomb lit the fire under me early on. They raised and placed high-quality livestock in my barn and taught me what it means to take care of them the right way, no matter what.

Chance Neff raised three of my all-time favorite sheep; two of which won Texas majors. The third was actually the very first lamb I ever received, but I couldn’t show him due to a validation issue at Angelo. Even after that, Mr. Neff trusted me with his livestock, believing in our ability to do right by them.

And finally, my younger siblings; there’s no doubt they’ve given me more reasons than I can count to be a better version of myself. They remind me every day of the kind of example I want to set.

These are just the names that come to mind without hesitation, but the list goes on and on. I wouldn’t be where I am without every single one of them.

What is one show ring experience that you will never forget?
My last time walking out of the ring was an immeasurable, bittersweet moment; the end of an era that started when I was just 10 years old. There are countless reasons why this experience will never fade from memory.

From the challenges like when three of our track dogs dug into the show barn in the middle of the night and tore my Austin sheep’s ear off to the unforgettable moments of meaning. My biological mom, who hadn’t had the opportunity to be as deeply involved in this industry, made the trip to watch me. My Aunt Sheffield, who helped set the bar for me alongside my dad, was there with her family too—and that meant the world to me.

The lamb I showed in my final walk was raised by Chance Neff, which brought everything full circle. Knowing it was the last time I’d ever step into the ring with a livestock project as a senior made the emotions hit even harder.

But what made it truly unforgettable wasn’t just winning the show with my family and Tate by my side; it was sharing the win with my best friend, Zane Walker, standing beside me as reserve. That moment… that’s one I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

Zane and I started this journey side by side, earning our very first Texas major wins together. He exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb at San Antonio, and I was right behind him with the Reserve. Somehow, we’ve been fortunate enough to end our final Texas major the same way. Grand and Reserve, together again.

If you could describe your experience in words – how would you describe it?
Despite how cliché it may sound, it was never just about the banners. It was the feeling of sharing the highs with the people who matter most and leaning on those same people through the lows. It was about the early mornings, the late nights, the miles traveled, and the sacrifices made that no one outside this industry will ever fully understand. Every moment mattered; not just because of what I accomplished, but because of who was standing beside me when I did.

Winning my last major with my family by my side meant everything. Knowing they were there, every step of the way, made the victory feel personal and real. And standing in the ring with my best friend Zane, just like we did at our very first major, brought everything full circle. We started this journey together, and somehow, we ended it the same way. That’s not something I could ever put fully into words. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you for life

This experience gave me more than I ever imagined. It gave me grit when things got tough. It taught me perseverance when I wanted to give up. And most importantly, it gave me the kind of metaphorical callouses I refer to so often; those callouses will keep my mind tough and grounded long after the dust settles and the ring goes quiet.

Who has been your biggest influence?
My biggest influence for the pursuit of success came from the bar set high by my grandfather, dad, and aunts. Tate, without a doubt, set the standard I measure perfection by. But the truth is, there are countless people who’ve shaped me into who I am today. Some led by example, others by tough love, and a few just by showing up when it mattered most.

The best part about influence is that you get to choose what you carry forward. You take the good, learn from the bad, and use both to mold yourself into the best version of who you’re meant to be. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by people who’ve poured into me in different ways, and every single one of them has helped me build the mindset, and character that carried me through my career in this barn.

If you had the opportunity to win one show, what would it be?
This might sound hypocritical coming from me, and I may even get in trouble for saying it, especially since I often lean on the phrase “be better rather than bitter.” But if there’s one show I wish I could have won, it would be Fort Worth. It’s the one Texas major that slipped through my hands.

Fort Worth uses the same judges for two years in a row. Last year, I brought that sheep judge two very different sheep; a class winner from the smallest class and a class winner from the largest. His reasons for not using them were clear: one was too small, the other too big. So this year, we came in with a plan. We brought a sheep for every class except the first and the last, aiming to offer both variety and consistency. He placed us first and second in each of those four classes, and I was genuinely grateful for the placing we received at this point.

But when it came time for the medium wool drive, he chose two of the smallest animals and left me standing. I wasn’t upset about being beat. In fact, I was beyond happy for the young, hardworking exhibitors who received those banners. What frustrated me was the inconsistency and the feeling of being lied to by the same judge who had called my sheep “too small” just a year before.

Ironically, two of my sheep that stood second in their classes that day went on to win majors later this year; San Antonio and Austin. That added to the sting, but it also reminded me of something I’ve always believed. The banners don’t always reflect the work, but the work always speaks for itself.

Who is your favorite judge? Why?
Now that I’m done showing livestock, I can confidently say who my favorite judges have been. While this isn’t in any particular order, Miles Gibbs stands out as my absolute favorite. His ability be as charismatic on the mic, while still presenting clear and comprehensive evaluations, and his ability to give one-on-one descriptions of livestock; making it easy for even the youngest showmen to follow—truly set him apart.

What really stuck with me was his attention to every animal in the ring, including those at the bottom of the class. He also began his commentary in the back of the lineup with the lower-placing animals, which gave the showmen up front, who had just been placed, plenty of time and space to reset their animals without the immense pressure.

Connor Brew, Skyler Scotten, Caleb Boden, Scott Greiner (also Brandon Callis’s 2024 goat evaluation)

What do you enjoy most about being at the shows?
While winning isn’t everything, the feeling of walking out of the ring unable to hold back hugs and tears of gratitude after placing in a class, division, or even the overall show is something that’s hard to beat. Those moments are unforgettable. But honestly, the most enjoyable part of being at a show for me has always been working with my younger siblings. Watching them have breakthroughs in showmanship, especially as they set their animals up on the mat to be drenched, is a feeling unlike any other.

And the best part? That feeling isn’t ending with my senior year. I’ll still be right there beside Holden and Johnson and eventually Knox, helping them grow and chase their goals. I look forward to every moment with them, and I know they’ll eventually exceed everything I’ve accomplished in the ring. That’s what makes ALL of this so special.