Hannah McCurry, is a high school senior, she didn’t begin her journey in the ring early like many others. But, got started showing in eighth grade-something that would change her life.

“My name is Hannah McCurry, and I am a high school senior who has been deeply involved in agriculture, FFA, 4-H, and the cattle industry for most of my life. I began my show journey in eighth grade, not knowing at the time how much it would shape who I am today.”

Through showing livestock, Hannah has been taught responsibility, patience, and grit. Hannah has had to learn and face many challenges along the way. 

“When I first started showing, I learned quickly that livestock don’t care if you’re tired or overwhelmed. They still need to be fed, worked, and cared for every single day. Showing taught me that success doesn’t come overnight and that effort matters just as much as results.”

Hannah credits much of her growth to the people that surrounded her along the way. Her parents, AG teachers, and her mentors have been some of her greatest supporters in and out of the ring.

“They didn’t just teach me how to set feet or work hair. They showed me what leadership, character, and responsibility truly looked like. The way they carry themselves, treat others, and respect the animals has shaped the standard I hold myself to every day.”

Shortly after eighth grade, Hannah suffered a major back surgery. She had scoliosis that was at a 52’ degree curve causing her back to be a S shape. Her spine was curving into her organs causing major lung issues. Hannah now has 2 rods and 17 screws in her back. She has had to work extra hard to rebuild her strength, relearn to walk, and face the mental toughness of giving up.

“I had to relearn how to walk, rebuild my strength, and stay mentally tough while watching others continue in the show ring. During that time, the only thing that truly kept me going was the goal of getting back to my show heifer. Giving up would have been easy, but every day of recovery reminded me why I started showing in the first place. I took the process one day at a time, driven by the determination to return to the barn and do what I loved.”

One of the hardest parts of recovery wasn’t missing shows – it was missing the routine and sense of normalcy that came from it.

“Watching others load up and head to jackpots while I was at home recovering made me feel disconnected from the life I loved.”

At times, Hannah questioned whether she would come back to the ring the same way she was.

“I wondered if I would go back to the ring – not necessarily if I’d return, but whether I’d be the same exhibitor. Surgery changes you physically, but it also changes your confidence. I had to rebuild trust in my own body before I could fully believe I’d walk back in the ring the same way.”

Recovery forced Hannah to slow down and see the bigger picture.

“It forced me to slow down in a way I never had before. Prior to surgery, everything was about the next goal, the next show, the next ribbon. During recovery, life felt still and quiet. That season made me realize showing was about more than awards or recognition. When I stepped back into the ring, I wasn’t just there to compete. I was there because I was thankful for the opportunity to stand there at all. In many ways, I feel like my story is a reminder that there’s a bigger plan at work, and I’m living proof of a loving God.”

After her back injury Hannah wanted to get back into the ring. Her love for cattle made her want to show again, to experience the people, and the ring again. Her heifer was the only thing Hannah truly looked forward to outside of the ring.

 “On days that felt long or frustrating, knowing I had her gave me purpose. She wasn’t just a project, she was my motivation. She reminded me that there was still something ahead of me. Taking care of her gave me something steady when everything else felt uncertain. I wasn’t ready to let one setback take that away from me. More than anything, I wanted to prove to myself that I was stronger than what I went through.”

Returning to the ring meant more than competing again – for Hannah it was proof of her strength.

“Getting back in the ring reminded me that challenges don’t define you, how you respond to them does. That experience showed me just how tough and determined I really am.”

Hannah’s story made her more aware of what every person was going through outside the ring.

“You never know what someone is dealing with behind the scenes. Now, I try to lead with grace. Winning is great, but kindness lasts longer. Sometimes the strongest person in the lineup is the one fighting a battle no one else can see.

Hard work and consistency has been a huge part of Hannah’s journey – from overcoming her back injury to working every day to get better in the ring.

“One of the biggest lessons showing livestock has taught me is that hard work and consistency really do matter – not just in agriculture, but in life. There aren’t shortcuts in the barn, and there aren’t shortcuts in life either. You can’t skip feedings, skip practice, or skip the early mornings and expect results. Showing up every single day, even when you’re tired or discouraged, is what makes the difference. That mindset has carried over into everything I do.”

Showing cattle has helped shape Hannah into a more disciplined and confident person. 

“I’m no longer just focused on ribbons. I care about growth, learning, and helping others. I’ve also bred and raised my own Hereford heifers, proving that you don’t have to spend a ton of money on a heifer for it to be competitive or successful. Hard work and knowledge can take you just as far.”

Looking ahead, Hannah plans to pursue a career in ag business while staying involved in the cattle industry. She also hopes to give back to youth in agriculture the same way others invested in her.

“Don’t be afraid to work harder than everyone else and don’t let setbacks stop you. The lessons you learn in the barn will last far longer than any banner or buckle.”