In a remarkable display of support for Texas youth, the 75th Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction shattered previous records by raising over $2.2 million. The Auction, which began on Friday, October 6, reached a historic milestone with the sale of the Grand Champion Market Steer. Frank Deel clinched the prized steer with a generous bid of $160,000, setting a new State Fair of Texas record.
This year, 424 steers vied for the coveted title of Grand Champion in the Youth Market Steer Show. After intense competition and meticulous judging, 15-year-old Jett Hale from Roberts County 4-H emerged victorious with his steer named “Bryce.”
Other winners included Elizabeth Norwood from Ellis County 4-H, who sold her Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer for $50,000, and Bryleigh Beyers of Hale County 4-H, whose Grand Champion Market Barrow was purchased for $30,000 by the Briscoe and Carpenter families. Hagan Burzynski of Grimes County 4-H sold his Grand Champion Market Broiler to Chris Rozzell for $26,000.
Holden Wise of Brown County 4-H made headlines by selling his Grand Champion Market Lamb to the Amy & Les Ware Foundation for $30,000. Additionally, Blaze Mock of Erath County 4-H's Grand Champion Market Goat found a buyer in The Chambless Family Foundation, who secured it for $35,000.
Continuing an annual tradition since 2015, full-time State Fair of Texas employees enthusiastically participated by bidding on two animals. Lexi York's Breed Champion Market Barrow from Valley View FFA fetched $12,000, while Madisyn Henderson's Breed Reserve Champion Market Barrow from Carson County 4-H was acquired for $6,000.
The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program, reflecting the State Fair’s commitment to agriculture, education, and community involvement, received overwhelming support from community leaders and local businesses. This cherished event, which brings families and friends together, showcases the dedication of exhibitors and the hard work of organizers. This year, approximately 3,100 entries competed for 582 spots in the Auction.
Participants who secure a spot in the Auction have the opportunity to sell their animals to the highest bidder, with excess proceeds benefiting the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program. This initiative supports students who have participated in youth livestock events at the State Fair and those attending high schools in the Fair Park area. To date, the Program has awarded over $30 million in auction awards and scholarships.
The State Fair of Texas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, relies on the success of events like the Youth Livestock Auction to fund its mission. The net proceeds contribute to preserving and enhancing Fair Park, supporting museums, community initiatives, and scholarships for students across Texas. By attending the State Fair of Texas, running until Sunday, October 22, patrons can actively support the Fair’s mission of promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.
