Hayes Henderson, is 13 years old and has been in the livestock industry since the beginning. He has experienced some incredible wins and learned how work ethic and discipline can take you far.

“My name is Hayes Henderson. I am 13 years old and in the 8th grade at Winona Christian School.”

For Hayes, the barn isn’t just a place – it’s where his story began. His family has been raising sheep for as long as he can remember. His earliest memories have all been in the barn, from daily chores, early mornings, and his favorite moments spent with his parents.

“Growing up, my earliest memories have always been at the barn. I always remember helping my dad with baby lambs.”

Hayes has had the best support system – his parents. They  have played a major part in all of Hayes’ success and continue to help him with his dreams every day.

“My dad and mom have made it possible for me to focus solely on showing livestock. My dad expects me to show up and be my best everyday, both inside and outside of the barn.”

Hayes has experienced success at a high level, with one moment that stands out the most – Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb at Kansas City. 

“My favorite win has been winning the Reserve Grand Market Lamb at Kansas City. That was my first big win on a national stage. When I got that handshake my dad climbed the fence and my mom cried the entire time. It was an experience that I will never forget. “

Hayes favorite part of show day is the preparation – the time spent getting his lamb ready and mentally locking in for the class ahead.

“I like when it’s time to get my animal out and get ready for my class. When I set up on the mat before I go in the ring, I’m locked in and ready!”

Something that Hayes has learned is that success doesn’t come in the ring without losses. He understands that the tough losses are all a part of the process – it often comes alongside the wins.

“You have to learn quickly how to keep going and work harder.”

When I asked Hayes what is a habit you developed early that still helps you now in the ring?

“Always pay attention to details and be consistent in all that you do.”

Hayes and his family put in the work every day.

“For my family, there is no life outside the barn.  It is nothing but hard work everyday. I want to win and be successful, and there is no better teacher of what it takes than showing livestock.”

The work ethnic showing has taught Hayes has helped Hayes handle both wins and loses. For him, every class – good or bad – is an opportunity to improve.

“Being in the show ring and competing will always shine light on what and where you need to focus. I always try to adjust after each show and come back better for the next one.”

 Looking ahead, Hayes is  already focused on what’s next in and out of the ring. 

 “Right now I’m ready to be done with 8th grade and pick out my next set of show lambs.” 

Through it all, Hayes has learned that growth doesn’t come from easy moments – it comes from pushing through the hard times.

“I feel like success does not make me grow. It’s pushing through those hard days over and over again – that is where real growth happens.”

 In 5 years Hayes wants to still be in the show ring giving it all he has each and every time. 

I asked Hayes What is your favorite quote, or what is a piece of advice you would give to a young Showmen? 

“I have many quotes that I really like,but I have two simple ones that never fail.”

“Hustle Hard”

“Dig Deep”

Hayes has learned throughout his career that there is no,”Short cut to success.”

In the industry things don’t always go your way. In the ring and out there is always a struggle you must face. Through those struggles the hardest part is to keep on going. 

“You must put the work in for the things you want in life. Sometimes things don’t go your way but there’s no time for feeling sorry for yourself. You have to get up off the mat and get back at it even harder. It’s always preached to me by parents that when I do something, do it to the highest degree possible. When you look back on the results, you know that you gave it your all and there are no regrets wishing that you would have tried a little harder.”

 Hayes has always had a love for animals from a young age, and he has always been a, “terrible loser.” Hayes is a very competitive person in and out of the ring. 

 “I’m a very competitive person, regardless of what it is. We can be picking up sticks, and, in my head, we are competing to see who can pick up the most sticks. Whether you know it or not, in my mind I’m going to beat you.”

Hayes and his family take all the feedback they can get from the judge and their mentor Chad Walker. Then they get back to work!

 “Every show has a different judge with a different opinion. Those judges are correct that day because it’s their opinion and that’s all that matters. We want to know what they see, and we go back to the barn and try to improve on what they saw lacking in that animal.”