At just 14 years old, Matthew Loya is already learning the dedication and responsibility that come with raising and showing livestock. The South Texas ISD Health Professions freshman is a member of Queen City 4-H and will compete at this year’s Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show with his American Red Brangus breeding heifer, Miss Texas Outlaw.

Meet the Exhibitor: Q&A with Matthew

Q: How does this project connect to your future career or education goals?

A: Showing and raising cattle is not easy – but It helps teach me patience, responsibility and how to work under pressure- your working with big animals that you have to beyond a relationship of trust with in order to succeed. 

Q: Who has helped or mentored you throughout this project?

A: My cousin – John Martinez 

Q: How long have you been working with your animal, and what’s the daily routine like?

A: Cattle are a daily project – I started working with her in July of 2025

Q: What does competing at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show mean to you?

A It’s part of who I am – I’m happy to be from this area and able to compete in RGVLS 

Q: What’s your strategy for impressing the judges?

A: Hope my heifer doesn’t embarrass me and run off. They are Animals at the end of the day and decide what mood they are in on the daily . 

Q: What is your goal at RGVLS competition this year?

A: To have a great week – 

Q: Do you have a favorite memory of RGVLS or funny story about working with your animal?

A: I had never had a cow that would lay down when she no longer wanted to work – that was a first. She just said I’m done and laid down . 

Q: What have you learned about responsibility and time management through this experience?

A: The cows don’t care what the weather is like they want their food – so I have to make it out their rain or cold weather . 

Q: What would be your best advice to someone who wants compete at RGVLS?

A: Try and enjoy everything even if your last – enjoy the process 

Q: What is your favorite memory or experience participating at the RGVLS?

A: Greased pig scramble – that was fun – this year I hope to participate in the calf scramble . 

Q: How has participating in FFA helped you grow personally or academically?

A: I feel I have grown into who I am . 

Q: If your animal could talk, what do you think it would say about you?

A: Where’s my food 

Q: What’s one skill or lesson you’ve gained through FFA or your organization that you didn’t expect to learn?