Donors gathered to help Texas youth pursue their dreams at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Junior Market Poultry Auction Saturday.
Barney Kelley of Texas City, Texas, sold his Grand Champion Pen of Broilers for $301,000, breaking the record. Donors Patsy & Wayne Turner; Sheri & Rob Walker; and Fatemah & Roger Camp had the winning bid. “We have been coming out [here] for several years,” Rob Walker said. “There is nothing better than giving back to the community through this organization.”
Kelsey Johnson of New Waverly, Texas, sold her Grand Champion Market Turkey for $315,000, also breaking the record. Kristina & Paul Somerville; Andrea & Scott Fish; Becky & Kelly Joy; and J Alan Kent Development – Julie and Alan Kent purchased the turkey. Paul Somerville chooses to support the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo because he knows where the money goes.
Ella Porter of Montogomery, Texas, set a record with the sale of her Reserve Grand Champion Market Pen of Broilers for $225,000. Mach Industrial Group – Kathleen & Tom Mach; Andrea Bryant; Christine & Micheal McWilliams; and Higginbotham & Associates –Dudley Ray & Mark Lee purchased the broilers.
“It is such a privilege and honor to ride for this brand and support the youth of Texas,” Micheal McWilliams said. “They are the people who are going to be putting food on our table.”
Stetson McKinley of Montgomery, Texas, sold his Reserve Grand Champion Market Turkey for $220,000, setting a new Rodeo record. Donors Billy Parker; Aimee & JP Monteverde; Cheryl & Dr. Barry W. Heaton; and Big Country Outdoors – Heather & Sean Congdon secured the winning bid.
“It is all about the kids,” JP Monteverde said. “Nothing can make you happier than putting your hard-earned dollars towards people who are going to make a true difference in the world.”
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo:
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $630 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2025 Rodeo is scheduled for March 4 – March 23. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com, download the RODEOHOUSTON app and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.