Auction represents extreme dedication of youth

By Taylor Mayad

The 76th Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction stole many hearts at this year’s State Fair of Texas. 

The Auction kicked off on Friday, October 4, with the sale of the Grand Champion Market Steer. This year’s prize-winning steer was purchased by longtime State Fair donor, Frank Deel, with his generous bid of $180,000, a new record for the State Fair of Texas. During the event, Mr. Deel was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his continued support of the Fair’s historic program. 

Donor Roger Perry was also honored with a Capital Circle Induction to celebrate his significant contributions to the organization.    

With 336 steers competing in the Youth Market Steer Show this year, earning the Grand Champion title was no easy feat. After hundreds of steers and hours of judging, the final decision was made; Jade Stone from Martin County 4-H, age 18, took home the grand prize for his winning steer, “Haggard.”  

Madelynn Wall from Idalou FFA sold her Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer to State Fair of Texas Concessionaires and Midway Rides & Games Operators for $80,000.  

The Grand Champion Market Barrow, owned by Lindsey Sessum of Splendora FFA, sold to the Briscoe and Carpenter families for $32,000.  

The Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow, owned by Weston Lackey from Haskell FFA, sold to the Rousso Family of Rousso Concessions — the winner of this year’s Big Tex Choice Award for Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick — for $25,000. 

The Grand Champion Market Lamb, owned by Landry Lain of Parker County 4-H, sold to Jack Pew, Jr. for $35,000.  

The Grand Champion Market Goat, owned by Reagan Miller of Denver City FFA, sold to the Amy & Les Ware Foundation for $35,000.  

Nicole Lee of Floresville County FFA sold her Grand Champion Market Broiler to the Ablon Family for $16,000. 

The Reserve Grand Champion Market Broiler, owned by Isabelle Porter from Montgomery County 4H, sold to Pat and Gina Norris for $10,000. 

An annual tradition since 2015, full-time employees of the State Fair of Texas pitch in to purchase an animal at Auction. 

Continuing that tradition for the ninth year in a row, the State Fair team bid $21,000 on a Breed Reserve Champion Market Steer owned by Makenna Skinner from Brazos County 4-H. Because the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program truly embodies the State Fair’s mission of promoting agriculture, education and community involvement, the team feels very passionate about contributing to these students. 

Supported by community leaders and local businesses, the annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction is a representation of the extreme dedication put forth by the youth exhibitors participating, along with the planning and efforts of the passionate individuals who organize the event. The Auction is considered the heart and soul of the State Fair’s nonprofit mission pillars of agriculture and education.

 The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction brings families and friends together for an occasion that benefits the community in addition to providing fairgoers with some good old-fashioned fun. 

Approximately 3,100 entries from around the state competed for one of the coveted 604 spots in the Auction this year. The students who earn a spot in the Auction get to sell their animals to the highest bidder. Students then receive a previously determined maximum payment – or premium – for their animal, with excess proceeds put towards supporting more Texas students through the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program. 

The Program benefits students who have competed in youth livestock events at the State Fair, as well as students attending high schools in the Fair Park area. Through the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program, the State Fair has awarded more than $35 million in auction awards and scholarships.  

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