We caught up with Ms. Peyton Steitz, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb and at the 2023 California Youth Expo. Learn a little more about Peyton below!
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
How do you stay focused on reaching your goal?
To stay focused on reaching my goal I always think back to where I came from. My family was never originally involved within agriculture and especially the show industry. So knowing how far I have come and how many people have supported me along the way motivates me to work hard and make them proud.
Do you show any other species besides sheep? If so, what other species?
Outside of sheep I also started showing goats for the past two years.
What’s your favorite show? and why?
My favorite show is CYAE because it holds the most memories for me, even though I have only gone the past two years. Last year was the first time I had won a top 5 title at a big show and this year I was lucky enough to have two sheep in the top 5 so it will always be a memorable experience, as well as getting to ride in the limo for the supreme drive.
What do you do to celebrate after a big win?
After a big win I like blasting music and hanging out with my show team. If we are done early enough we’ll go out to dinner too.
What has showing livestock taught you?
Showing livestock has taught me responsibility and to be reliable. By having show animals you know you have to be in the barn taking care of them everyday. Also, It has taught me nothing is ever accomplished alone, there are many people around to support you and I am very grateful for the team I have behind me.
What’s your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to get a divison title at a national show. This will be my last year showing so ending it off at the highest level I can compete at would be something I never could’ve imagined when I started this 8 years ago.
What’s your lambs name? and what made him/her so special?
My lambs name this year was Cosmo. He was named for my uncle who loves studying black hole and this was his favorite sheep in the barn. He was very special to me as he always had a sweet personality and my whole family had a strong connection to him.
Who do you look up to?
My biggest inspiration will always be my mom. No matter what she’s always there to help me and since both of us didn’t grow up in this industry our love for it has grown together. I also look up to Jake Richardson and Tyler Jenkins because in just two years they have made me a better showman. Making them proud is one of my biggest motivations. Finally Ryan McCoon has known me now for 5 years and is always a phone call away for anything I need. Not only has he helped me in the ring but also showed me the other side of the industry and got me more involved. He also inspires me to always be willing to help people like he has for me.
