Grand Champion steer sells for whopping $410,000; junior breaks record

Organizers: Reserve Grand Champion Steer sold for $366,000

HOUSTON – A new record was set by buyers Saturday on prices fetched for the Reserve Grand Champion Junior Market Steer during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior Market Steer Auction, event organizers said.

The Grand Champion Junior Market Steer, which was exhibited by 17-year-old Cameron Conkle, of Allen, Texas, sold for a whopping $410,000, organizers said. It was sold to buyers Emily and Robert Clay, Becky and Kelly Joy, Julie and Alan Kent and Debby and Jeff Young.

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Debby Young said her group backs the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo auctions to support the hardworking youth of Texas.

“We give from our hearts, and we’re proud of Cameron and all these kids who work so hard,” she said.

The Reserve Grand Champion Junior Market Steer was exhibited by Roberts County 4-H member Jett Hale, 10, of Miami, Texas.

On the 10th anniversary of their buying group, the group said the Champagne Cowgirls purchased the runner-up for another world record of $366,000, a record that has not been broken since 2001.

One of 20 women in the buyers group, Ellie Francisco, said they supported the auctions at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo because they believe in the children and organization.

“The rodeo is a great steward of their funds,” Francisco said. “It’s because of the kids, for the kids. You come here (to the rodeo) and see these kids and say, ‘This is what America is all about.’”

Organizers said more than 1,700 animals were exhibited at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2018.


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Troy Blevins is a Digital Content Editor who has been with Graham Media Group since 2012.