How Texan Bud Hagen found life lessons in livestock showing

For Bud Hagen, General Product Support Manager at HOLT Truck Centers in Texas, the values of agriculture and family have always run deep. With over three decades at Holt and even more time spent around county fairs and show barns, Hagen’s experience reflects the hard work and dedication involved in raising kids in agriculture.

Hagen’s journey with youth livestock projects began not with his own children, but when he first met his wife in high school. “She was very active in FFA,” he recalls. “I remember wanting to go to the movies or out on dates, but it always had to work around feeding schedules and animal care.” That early exposure to responsibility and commitment left an impression — and later became the foundation of their own parenting.

As their children grew, sports were part of the routine, but it was the livestock projects that brought the family together. “It was their project, but it was something we could collectively spend time with. It was more than just showing animals — it was a lifestyle,” Hagen explains.



Not every year was filled with blue ribbons. Hagen vividly remembers the tough lessons, too — like the time his daughter, Autumn, didn’t make the cut. “Got the gates,” and came home discouraged, he said. “She walked in and said, ‘Dad, what did I do wrong?’ ”

That moment sparked a family conversation about goals and expectations, and what it really means to put in the work.

A turning point came when Autumn returned from school quoting something she had read, “Dad, practice doesn’t make perfect — perfect practice makes perfect.” That mindset, along with hard work and perseverance, paid off. A few years later, Autumn stood in the ring as grand champion market winner. “There were a lot of tears, high fives, and happiness,” Hagen said.

Looking back, Hagen is convinced that few activities build character like showing livestock.

“There’s no shortcut. It teaches work ethic, commitment, keeping your word,” he said. “It doesn’t take long talking to someone to figure out if they’ve been through a livestock project or FFA. It’s a unique set of values.”

In a world where shortcuts are tempting and patience is rare, the lessons from the barn and show ring continue to shape Hagen’s family — and his perspective. “You’re going to win some, you’re going to lose some,” he said. “But what you gain in character, that stays with you.”

HOLT CAT is taking time to celebrate the communities that bring livestock showing and rodeos to life. The Confidence Shows series highlights the individuals and families whose dedication to agriculture shines in the show ring and beyond. From early mornings in the barn to late nights prepping for the next big event, these are the stories that show what it really means to grow up in ag.