Fort Worth Stock Show faces scrutiny after disqualifying steer

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has long been known as one of the most prestigious livestock shows in the country, drawing exhibitors from across the nation. However, recent events may be casting a shadow over its reputation, with many questioning its handling of exhibitor concerns and competition fairness.

Amanda Nuncio, a longtime supporter of the show, recently shared her son’s experience, which has sparked widespread debate. The boy, Payton, exhibited his lightweight steer, Cracker, on February 6, securing first place in his class. As he entered the division drive, where the judge had indicated Payton’s steer could have won the grand division, he was suddenly disqualified due to a missing tattoo — a claim that was later proven false.

According to Nuncio, the Fort Worth Stock Show’s handling of the situation was deeply flawed. She said the committee did not follow standard protocol to verify the tattoo, failing to place the steer in a chute for proper inspection. Instead, the tattoo was checked hastily, leading to the erroneous decision to strip Payton of his accolades.

Upon returning to their stalls, the family quickly located the tattoo, indicating that the disqualification was a result of human error. Despite appeals to the show officials, the decision remained unchanged, leaving an empty sale slot that the family says should have rightfully belonged to Payton.

The post Nuncio made on social media this week has started to go viral.

Supporters of the Nuncio family and fellow exhibitors have voiced their outrage.

As Matt Latner put it, “Getting kicked out for a faded tattoo that staff couldn’t see because they didn’t put him into a stationary chute would be a tough pill to swallow as a parent.”

Many exhibitors argue that this was an avoidable mistake, discussing the need for more competent staff and proper procedures.

One Facebook user noted, “The only way for officials to check a tattoo correctly is with a blacklight and in a chute. Checking while walking off the show ring out with a show halter on is a dereliction of duty by any show, county fair all the way up to any major.”

The Fort Worth Stock Show has not publicly commented on the incident. An email from AGDAILY has been sent to the show seeking comment, and this article will be updated if a response is received.

Some social media commenters believe that issues at the Fort Worth Stock Show extend far beyond this incident. One exhibitor remarked, “Unfortunately, Fort Worth has many issues across all species. The biggest one is putting the public over the exhibitors. I don’t think anything will change until exhibitors stop attending. Hundreds complain every year, and it falls on deaf ears due to attendance.”

This incident has reignited discussions about the priorities of major livestock shows. Critics argue that Fort Worth has shifted its focus away from the exhibitors and their projects, prioritizing revenue and public entertainment over fairness and youth development. Many have pointed to other shows — such as Cattleman’s Congress, Phoenix, NAILE, Sioux Falls, Amarillo, and American Royal — as examples of exhibitor-friendly events prioritizing young showmen’s experience and success.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo dates back to 1896 and has played a pivotal role in educating the public and encouraging youth involvement in agriculture. Yet incidents like this are seen as tarnishing that history.

And for families like the Nuncios, the disappointment is not just about financial loss but the principles at stake. The question remains: Will the Fort Worth Stock Show address these concerns and implement better procedures, or will exhibitors take their projects and passion elsewhere?