The 16th annual Ranching & Wildlife Auction raised $550,670 for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ scholarships through its live and silent auctions. Items auctioned off included hunting trips, vacations and shooting equipment. A Nilgai Hunting and Fishing Excursion at Saltillo Lodge Norias donated by King Ranch, Inc. took home the top bid of the event, raising $31,000. Other big-ticket items included earrings and a squash blossom necklace from Samsville Gallery ($20,000) and two 2024 John Deere Gators ($25,000 each).
“Ranching & Wildlife is an alternative for people who want to get involved but do not want to show or do an ag mechanics project,” Nathan Kelley, Chairman of the Ranching and Wildlife Committee, said.
The Ranching & Wildlife committee’s mission is to support and serve youth contestants and foster a commitment to the future of Texas ranching and wildlife.
“Our main goal is to keep youth in wildlife,” Kelley said.
For the first time, the Ranching & Wildlife Committee was able to invite students from FFA and 4-H chapters to learn from universities about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental work.
“The main goal is to keep youth interested in the outdoors,” Bettina Leuschen, captain of the Ranching and Wildlife Auction, said.
The Ranching & Wildlife Committee promotes ranching, wildlife and conservation through its Young Guns Shooting Sports and Archery Competition for 4-H and FFA members.
“All money goes to the kids,” Leuschen said.
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 $600 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2024 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 17. The 2024 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 22 – 24.
For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.