History

The original Syndicate members went to the sale planning to spend $13,000 on livestock. However, the allure of the kids got the best of them and the group spent $20,000. The next year they established a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, began soliciting friends and business partners for contributions, and in 1981, they bought 59 steers and paid $130,000. The game was on.

The contributions grew at an astounding rate each year. In 1983, James M. “Jim Bob” Norman took on leadership of the Syndicate and preached the mission of providing these young agricultural leaders funding for secondary education. Jim Bob’s term was cut short when he died from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. However, his vision lived on when Frank Neve assumed the Chairmanship and held the first fundraiser to establish the James M. Norman Scholarship Fund. On that night in 1985, the Syndicate raised $76,000 and a fund was established to provide scholarships to FFA and 4-H participants who were pursuing an agricultural or life sciences degree at a Texas college.

Today, the Stock Show Syndicate boasts a membership of more than 100 businessmen who volunteer their time and energy to realize the vision established over 40 years ago. In 2025, sponsors of the Syndicate contributed over $10 million for the youth exhibitors for their educational and vocational opportunities.