2024 Show Dedication

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Stephen and Mary Beth Bauer moved to Kerr County in 1986, and have played an active role in the Kerr County Stock Show (and Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show) since 2000, when their oldest child started showing breeding sheep. Stephen originally started as Superintendent of the breeding sheep show; as he began his role on the E Board he became involved in numerous committees. This eventually culminated in his serving as the President of the Association from 2014-2021. During his tenure the new facilities were finished, new show policies came into play, and, thanks to Covid, the HCDJLS Sale became just a Kerr County Stock Show Sale, a change that was supported by our buyers. While it was oftentimes a stressful role, it was more often an enjoyable experience interacting with people who support agriculture and providing opportunities for youth to become involved in agriculture. Mary Beth was continually busy behind the scenes, primarily in the sheep and lamb shows and on E Board for several terms, and she continues to serve as a Superintendent of the breeding sheep show. Their children, Lance and Leah, were blessed to show throughout their careers at this show and honored to receive scholarships from the organization. 

Stephen was born on April 18, 1963 and raised on a diverse farm and ranch where he raised and showed swine in addition to helping with sheep, cattle, and farming chores. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School where he was active in both 4-H and FFA and competed at Nationals on the Meat Judging Team. Mary Beth was born February 24, 1962 and raised in El Paso. Although she didn’t grow up immersed in agriculture, she changed that as soon as she could! They met at Texas A&M University where they both majored in Range Science and competed on the national champion Plant Identification team! Stephen established Double L Ranch and Wildlife Feed in 2000 and eventually was able to add Back 40 Trailers to his enterprise. He recently sold both and is greatly enjoying retirement, meaning the opportunity to work on what he wants when he wants and to travel! He is an active member and leader of the Kerr County Farm Bureau and is on several different advisory boards. Mary Beth taught high school science for 38 years at both Ingram and OLH, and was an active coach for numerous successful 4-H and FFA teams. She, too, has retired, or at least semi-retired, with the goal of having more time to volunteer, finish projects, travel, and hang out with the grandkids. Both are active members at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg and give God the glory for the many blessings in their lives. They are grateful for and humbled by this recognition by the Kerr County Stock Show.