OKL AHOMA it just feels right
Prior to 2022, Romero had never been to the Oklahoma Youth Expo, even as a spectator. When he came for the first time that year, he said he remembers thinking how incredible it was to witness such an elite show. Whether you are an exhibitor, showman, breeder or general attendee, Romero said OYE is an elevated stage to compete on, “a whole different animal than any other show, that’s for sure.” In the months leading up to the ‘World’s Largest Junior Livestock Show,’ Romero said he was fueled to work diligently day-in and day-out, but he faced a couple of challenges he had to work through, notably his personal nerves. “Like most everyone else who exhibits livestock, I was honestly really nervous I was going to mess up and make a big mistake in the ring,” Romero said. “In the end, that was a good challenge for me to work through, and I ended up having a run I can be proud of.” At the 2023 OYE, Romero successfully competed with multiple barrows and does. The most special success was winning second place with a doe that he and his brother chose together out of their kickout pen. Romero was also a member of the champion OYE Doe Fitting team alongside his friend, Denver McKay. From all of the knowledge gained, the experiences had, the lessons learned, and the banners won, Romero is sure the most important asset he’s gained is the people. “Being able to meet the people that I have, all of the mentors and professionals, just getting to be around individuals of such a high caliber…it’s been awesome and something I am incredibly grateful for,” Romero said. In fact, from the very beginning, Romero claims the influence of others has been one of the most instrumental parts of his story. All of the people he’s met along the way are who got him involved in the industry and ultimately got him to Oklahoma, he said. “I honestly don’t think it gets any better than this,” Romero said through a smile. “I am around some of the sharpest people and minds in the country every day. Whether we are sorting goats or working babies, it’s always a learning experience because I get to listen and interact with them daily,” he added. Still a proud Oklahoman, Romero is currently a freshman at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma, where he participates as part of the Livestock Judging Team. Regardless if you ask him about his move, his show experience, or his time pursuing his higher education goals, Romero says it all has a common theme: “It’s been amazing just being here in Oklahoma… it just feels right.” – Written by Emile Mittelstaedt Learn more about Roberto’s life in Oklahoma.
The Greatest Show | OYE | 2024
For most kids involved in the Oklahoma Junior Livestock Program, turning eight years old is a significant milestone. Not quite to double digits, yet turning eight means you can finally show at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. If the timing aligns, one can get nearly a decade of show time with OYE before their age eligibility expires, but for pig and goat showman Roberto Romero, one year was all he got. Prior to beginning his Oklahoma show career, Romero made the move from his home in Georgia to the small town of Mulhall, Oklahoma, in 2022. “I had been coming to Oklahoma since about 2019 and working summers at Pfeiffer Farms in Orlando,” Romero said. “After visiting a couple of times, I really enjoyed it and began forming a plan to move to the state permanently.” Romero said he knew showing livestock and participating in shows like the Oklahoma Youth Expo were activities he wanted to take part in, despite being nervous to start. “My little brother exhibited goats down in Georgia, and it’s a lot different when you’re the one taking care of them and showing them,” Romero said. “It’s a lot tougher than people think.” Once he became an Oklahoma resident, moving in with his oldest brother, John, Romero began showing goats and pigs at shows across the state. One of his first experiences in the showring in Oklahoma happened with his goats in 2022, with the help of John. That same year, he said he became hooked when he won the title of Reserve Overall Senior Showman at the 2022 Tulsa State Fair. “After that experience, we decided to turn up the jets a little bit more,” Romero said. “So, we put in the work and prepared for OYE a little bit more seriously,” he added.
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