Gracyn Stevens, has been showing cattle since she was 7, and then started showing many other species along the way. Gracyn was born in Bad Axe, Michigan and later moved to Indiana, at a young age. 

“My name is Gracyn Stevens, I am 18 and currently a senior at Clinton Central High School  in Indiana. I’ve always loved animals and having the opportunity to start showing at such a young age is something I’ll forever be thankful for.”

Gracyn had the opportunity of starting her show career at a young age which led to her passion.  She showed shorthorn cattle for her first two years. Later, Gracyn’s family found Prescott Cattle  Company. “I started showing cattle when I was 7 and to be honest it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Since I have started I’ve gotten the chance to show some high quality cattle and learn many different things as well.”

Gracyn has the opportunity of winning Champion Angus Steer at the Indiana State Fair. She also had a major experience in watching her steer Ace get in the hall of fame.

“A major highlight in my show journey would be winning champion angus steer back to back at the Indiana State Fair and in the show season of 23-24 getting into the hall of fame with my steer Ace. It was a full circle moment for me because my goal was to show people that angus steers can be good and will compete. The angus breed quickly became my favorite breed. Simply because I don’t think enough people appreciate them, and I want to make that change and show everyone that they are worth so much more.”

As she continues an issue she sees in the livestock industry is how the media often misrepresents the reality of showing animals. “Social media highlights the banners, ribbons, and trophies but rarely shows the hard work and care involved. This creates misconceptions about the industry and spreads misinformation about the animal treatment, hurting it’s reputation and discouraging exhibitors.” 

Gracyn has so many people to thank for her incredible show journey. And even more incredible role models.“ I have the most incredible support system.”

“ I would say my biggest role model would be Colton Presscott, he has taught me so much over the past 7 years of purchasing cattle from him. He understands my love and passion for this industry and always wants me to succeed. He is extremely wise not only about cattle but about the Ag industry as well. I appreciate everything he’s done for me and the support I’ve gotten from him and his brother Hunter. They are truly my second family.”

As Gracyn continues she hopes to encourage the showman behind her. “I hope to encourage the showman behind me that hard work is noticeable, the banners, ribbons, and trophies don’t mean anything if you aren’t working hard enough.”   With that being said, my 

Gracyn’s future plans involve staying a part of this industry. “I’d love to judge a few shows here and there but also continue to teach others about livestock too.”

She hopes to make a difference by pushing young showmen out of their comfort zone.“The difference I’d like to make would be “Ee  “Encouraging younger girls to go outside of their comfort zone. For me, I have some pretty amazing women in my life who lift me up and push me to be better everyday. I want to help girls understand that they are worthy and capable of whatever they set their mind to.”

“Winding up my show career my favorite part of showing has been seeing the little girls I’ve mentored, stand by the gates and watch me in the ring with my steers. But my most favorite part of showing was winning champion angus steer at HBC and The Indiana State Fair and my stepdad giving me the biggest hug and telling me how proud he is of me.”

“Work your butt off” 

Gracyn biggest piece of advice is this:

“My biggest piece of advice is to work your butt off. I know, working on your project may be exhausting and frustrating and stressful but in the end, it all pays off. Be proud of yourself for getting up even when you  are too tired to rinse steers at 5am, be proud of yourself even if the show doesn’t go the way you thought it would, and be proud of yourself for working so hard for your goals. I’m proud of all the other showmen in the industry who work their butts off, and I’m so grateful to be a part of such an incredible livestock community.”