The Best of the Southwest Shootout isn’t just another livestock show, it’s one of the toughest and most prestigious events in Southwest Iowa.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of this invite-only show where the best of the best from 10 Southwest Iowa counties are invited to compete. Counties are Adair, Adams, East and West Pottawattamie, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Taylor and Union.

Champions in Breeding and Market divisions for goats, sheep, swine and beef earn their spots through hard work, grit and top placings at their respective county fairs.

To make it to this stage is an honor. To compete alongside the highest caliber youth showmen and livestock in the region is an accomplishment.

The competition is deep, the animals are elite, and the memories made last a lifetime. Being a part of the Best of the Southwest isn’t just a win, it’s a milestone.

While Fremont County has yet to secure one of the elite Grand or Reserve Champion animal titles at the Best of the Southwest Shootout, Lyla Brooks was recognized for 2025 by earning Grand Champion Showman in the Market Lamb division., marking Fremont County’s first ever win in the Shootout’s 10-year history.

This year’s entries for Fremont County were:

Cooper Avey, Breeding Doe and Market Hog

Brayton Johnson, Breeding Ewe

Cash Jones, Breeding Gilt

Lyla Brooks, Breeding Heifer, Market Goat and Market Lamb

Brody Schaaf, Market Beef

Submitted by Teresa Crecelius.