Representing this month’s youth spot light is 8 year old Jackson Sterle, of Navasota, Texas. Jackson is the son of Steve and Jodi Sterle and has an 11 year old brother Jacob. Jackson is currently finishing up with 2nd grade and is involved in this year’s spring baseball season. 

Jackson started showing in NJSA in 2005 at the NJSS and Southwest Regional. He started showing because his mom, a State Swine Specialist for Texas, had an extra hog and let Jackson show it at NJSS. Jackson continued his interest in NJSA because he thinks it is fun and he gets to meet new people. He said that he has a ton of friends from other states and enjoys seeing them. He particularly enjoys SW regional because Zane is always there and they have a great time together. His most memorable moment in the NJSA is when Jackson met his friend Owen from Minnesota, three years ago, they are still friends to this day.

Outside of showing Jackson is involved in football, basketball, and baseball and cheers on the Texas Aggies. He has been Student of the Week and has received several sports awards. His favorite quote is “Girls love a man who can dance!” For his future he hopes to keep showing and attend Texas A & M University to be a Swine Specialist.

Submitted by: Kayla Meyer
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
College of ACES | Agriculture Education