We caught up with Ms. Avery Walton, exhibitor of the Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe at the 2025 San Antonio Stock Show. Learn a little more about Avery below!
What school do you attend/grade are you in?
Eastland High school/Senior
Leading up to the show, did you always know this lamb was special? What made him special?
My commercial ewe, “Dos Equis” has always been special, from the time we picked her up at Chads, to when we took our last steps out of the ring.
Getting to win a TX Major is a huge accomplishment, who would you like to thank for helping you get here?
First and foremost, I would like to thank Chad Walker for the opportunity to campaign these incredibly special sheep. Thank you to my parents and Ag Teachers for supporting my love for the livestock industry. Also a huge shout out to Justin Burns and G-W Larrew for fueling my passion and pushing me to become better. Lastly thank you to Obsession Show stock and Droppert for breeding such phenomenal animals.
What is one show ring experience that you will never forget?
This year at San Antonio I was blessed to reserve the Commercial ewe show. I had set a few hefty goals this year since I was a senior, and winning a banner at San Antonio was one of them. The feeling of reserving a division in the ewe show was incredible, I was beyond excited and I figured my day ended there. Going in for the grand drive everyone was on end, and for good reason too. Everything felt rather surreal after I got that reserve overall handshake.
If you could describe your experience in words – how would you describe it?
The feeling was absolutely incredible, there’s really not many words to describe it other than it being surreal.
Who has been your biggest influence?
There’s not just one single person I can name. Justin Burns, Chad Walker and G-W Larrew have by far had the biggest influence on my career.
If you had the opportunity to win one show, what would it be?
I dream to hang a banner at Louisville as it is my favorite show!
Who is your favorite judge? Why?
I would have to say my favorite judge is Dr. Jeff Ripley. He has been judging since my earliest moments in the ring and I was fortunate enough to win my first major banner under him as well as my last!
What do you enjoy most about being at the shows?
I enjoy all of the people. Especially at breeding sheep shows. Everyone is just one big family and no matter who you are or where you come from, everyone is always willing to help.
