High energy and supportive buyers packed the NRG Arena Sales Pavilion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the Junior Market Steer Auction, Saturday, March 25, 2017.
A standing ovation from the crowd closed the $345,000 bid on the Grand Champion Junior Market Steer, Playa, exhibited by 15-year-old Jagger Horn of Anson, Texas. The buyer group included Heather and Sean Congdon, Mary Alice and E.D. Lester, Olympia Drywall/Narciso and Greg Flores, and Schaefer Ranchwear/Emily and Robert Clay.
Robert Clay, a 25-year supporter of the Show, said he is honored to be a part of such a prestigious event and invest in deserving young people. He also places great value on the livestock show lifestyle and the lessons it teaches the kids.
“The livestock show is where the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo started,” Clay said. “This is the part of the Show that brings kids up so they develop respect for their elders, their land and their animals. I’ve always said, ‘If they’re on the farm, they’re not in the streets.’”
The Reserve Grand Champion steer, Magic, exhibited by Stock Martin, 16, of Hereford, Texas, sold to buyers Shelly and Zac Brown, Victoria and Parker Johnson, and Amber and Steve Mostyn for $330,000.
Zac Brown, lead singer of the Zac Brown Band, who will be performing during tomorrow night’s RodeoHouston® performance, arrived a day early to the Show to support youth education and the future of agriculture at the Steer Auction.
“I want to do anything to help kids and encourage the next generation,” Brown said.
Brown was an FFA member in high school and said that he participated in both poultry and livestock judging. He said he knows the important life skills exhibitors learn from their experience.
“Participating in 4-H or FFA instills leadership and confidence in youth,” Brown said. “Those are traits they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
GRAND CHAMPION STEER
- Exhibitor: Jagger Horn, 15
- Hometown: Anson, Texas
- Club/Chapter: Abilene FFA
- Price: $345,000
- Buyers: Heather and Sean Congdon, Mary Alice and E.D. Lester, Olympia Drywall/Narciso and Greg Flores, and Schaefer Ranchwear/Emily and Robert Clay
- World Record: $600,001 (2002)
RESERVE CHAMPION STEER
- Exhibitor: Stock Martin, 16
- Hometown: Hereford, Texas
- Club/Chapter: Oldham County 4-H
- Price: $330,000
- Buyers: Shelly and Zac Brown, Victoria and Parker Johnson, and Amber and Steve Mostyn
- World Record: $365,000 (2001)
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show runs through March 26.