A Life Built in the Show Ring
Paisley Allison exhibits her steer at the 2025 California Youth Ag Expo.
Early Beginnings in the Barn
For many, the show ring is where the story ends — a final walk, a handshake, and a banner. But for 2025-26 Mariposa FFA Chapter President Paisley Allison, the show ring is only the visible outcome of years of dedication built long before she ever steps into the arena.
Allison has been showing livestock since she was 8 years old, though her journey began even earlier when she purchased her first show ewe at just 6 years old. Over the past decade, she has exhibited a variety of livestock, including steers, heifers, pigs, ewe lambs, market lambs and goats. Although showing began as a childhood activity, Allison said her perspective shifted as she grew older. Around the age of 14, she realized that livestock showing had become more than just a hobby; it was something she wanted to pursue wholeheartedly. To dedicate herself fully, she decided to step away from sports and shift her primary focus toward showing and the opportunities within the livestock industry.
Memorable Moments in the Ring
Throughout her career, Allison has competed at numerous livestock shows across California. One of her earliest memorable experiences came from the Sierra Winter Classic in Porterville, where she earned her first major win. While the show itself was smaller in scale, Allison said the impact was significant, as the experience helped build her confidence moving forward in the industry.
Allison at the Sierra Winter Classic Show.
Another formative experience came from attending her first Hereford-exclusive cattle show in Jamestown at 8 years old, which introduced her to a broader network of exhibitors and deepened her interest in cattle showing.
Most recently, Allison competed at the 2025 California Youth Ag Expo, where she earned Fourth Overall Market Steer and Reserve Overall Black Steer, an accomplishment she described as a defining moment in her career after months of preparation and hard work.
Sacrifice Behind the Success
Despite the accomplishments seen in the show ring, Allison emphasized that success in the livestock industry often comes with significant sacrifice. To remain competitive, she shared that she has missed days of school, spent limited time with friends, and endured countless early mornings and late nights in the barn.
During the summer leading up to her 2025 show season, Allison spent up to 12 to 13 hours each day working with her steer, often operating on only three to four hours of sleep. As a fellow member of the 2025 Mariposa FFA Officer Team, it was not uncommon for group chats to receive early morning updates from Allison, often at 4 a.m., including humorous photos of frogs she encountered while working with her steer before school.
“The early mornings, the late nights, the times when you don’t want to be in the barn because it’s raining or cold, that’s the part people don’t always see,” Allison said. “There’s so much sacrifice, but when you love what you’re doing, you don’t even feel it in the moment.”
Allison shows her lamb in her hometown of Mariposa at the 2025 Mariposa County Fair. Photo taken by Madison Arnold.
A Team Behind the Journey
Behind Allison’s success is a strong support system made up of mentors, fellow exhibitors, and, most importantly, her family. She credited the Simon Cattle Company Show Team, the King family, and mentor Jordan Cory for helping guide her throughout both cattle and sheep projects.
Above all, Allison highlighted her father as her biggest supporter, explaining that he has spent countless hours traveling with her to shows, assisting with daily care, and ensuring she never faced the journey alone.
Beyond supporting Allison’s individual journey, the Allison family has played an active role within the Mariposa County community as a whole. Whether contributing to the local 4-H program, FFA chapter, or supporting agricultural education, the family has consistently dedicated time and effort to ensuring youth within the community have opportunities to succeed. Members of the Allison family remain involved across multiple areas, including livestock showing, athletics, education, local businesses, and school leadership, each contributing in their own way to building a strong foundation for future generations.
Their willingness to step in and support others whenever needed has not gone unnoticed by fellow FFA members. Serving alongside Allison on the 2025 Mariposa FFA Officer Team has provided a unique perspective on her growth, both inside and outside of the show ring.
Allison, with her award from the California Youth Ag Expo, is pictured with her “team.”
Lessons Beyond the Banner
As she prepares to enter the show ring, Allison said she often focuses on remaining calm and composed despite the pressure of competition. Beyond competition, she shared that livestock showing has provided her with a strong sense of purpose and helped her develop confidence, resilience, and self-reflection.
For first-time exhibitors entering the industry, Allison advised dedication and determination, acknowledging that the process is not always easy but remains worthwhile for those willing to put in the effort.
For Allison, the livestock industry represents far more than awards or placements; it is the foundation of who she has become. Through years of dedication, sacrifice, and support, her journey stands as a reflection of the work that often takes place far beyond the view of the show ring, a reminder that the show ring is not just about the moment under the lights, but the life built behind the scenes long before the class ever begins.
Allison shows her steer at the 2024 Mariposa County Fair. Photo taken by Maddie Cole.
