Buyers supported education and agriculture at the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior Market Steer Auction Saturday, March 17.
The Grand Champion Junior Market Steer was exhibited by Allen FFA member Cameron Conkle,17, of Allen, Texas. The Charolais steer sold for $410,000 to buyers Emily and Robert Clay; Becky and Kelly Joy; Julie and Alan Kent; and Debby and Jeff Young.
Debby Young said her group chooses to purchase livestock at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo auctions to support the hard-working youth of Texas.
“We give from our hearts, and we’re proud of Cameron and all these kids who work so hard,” Debby Young said. The Reserve Grand Champion Junior Market Steer was exhibited by Roberts County 4-H member Jett Hale, 10, of Miami, Texas.
On the 10th anniversary of their buying group, the Champagne Cowgirls purchased the Reserve Grand Champion Steer for a record-breaking $366,000 — a record that has not been broken since 2001. Ellie Francisco, one of the 20 women in the buyers group said they choose to support the Rodeo because they believe in the kids and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo organization.
“The Rodeo is a great steward of their funds,” Francisco said. “It’s because of the kids, for the kids. You come here [to the Rodeo] and see these kids and say, ‘this is what America is all about.’”
The steers were chosen from approximately 1,700 animals, with more than 400 qualifying for the auction.
GRAND CHAMPION
- Exhibitor: Cameron Conkle, 17
- Hometown: Allen, Texas
- Club/Chapter: Allen FFA
- Breed: Charolais
- Price: $410,000
- Buyers: Emily and Robert Clay, Becky and Kelly Joy, Julie and Alan Kent, and Debby and Jeff Young
RESERVE CHAMPION
- Exhibitor: Jett Hale, 10
- Hometown: Miami, Texas
- Club/Chapter: Roberts County 4-H
- Breed: Black Cross
- Price: $366,000 (world record)
- Buyers: Champagne Cowgirls