HOUSTON – It was a record-setting bid for a very special lamb at the Junior Market Lamb Auction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Friday as the Grand Champion Market Lamb sold for $1 million.
The record-setting lamb, exhibited by Reagan Miller of Seagraves, Texas, sold for the highest price ever paid for a lamb at the Rodeo.
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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo says the winning bid came from the Hildebrand family, in memory of Brittany Ann Hildebrand, longtime supporters of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
“We are sowing seeds,” said Jeffery Hildebrand. “This is a wonderful place, and kids like this are getting the chance to move on, advance and grow. These are the kids who are going to save America.”
Donors gathered Friday inside NRG Arena to support Texas youth and their educational goals through the Junior Market Lamb and Goat Auction.
Rodeo Vice President, David Stone, opened the event by welcoming guests and donors in attendance. Glenn Beckendorff of Glenn Auction Services LLC served as the auctioneer.
“The ‘why’ of this committee is the incredible kids and their projects and how we hope to shape their futures,” said Scott Townsend, chairman of the Lamb and Goat Auction Committee.
The auction also produced additional record-setting sales.
Paizlee Akins of Whitesboro, Texas, raised the Grand Champion Market Goat which sold for $450,000, setting another Rodeo record. The donor group included Tea and Bill Pinkley; Anne and Chris Richardson; Skip Avara; and Fire Safe Protection Services LP, represented by Lizzy and Stephen McKinney.
“I am very proud to be part of this, and I wish all these kids the best of luck,” said Chris Richardson.
Raider McPhaul of Big Lake, Texas, raised the Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb which sold for a record $310,000. The winning donor group included April and Scott Townsend; Amy and Mark Melton; Tammy and Mitchell Barrier; and Mary Lee and Alan Stigall.
“I see a lot in these kids,” said Mark Melton. “I want to keep giving back. It’s an investment in the kids and their families — that’s what it’s all about.”
Briggs Bowers of Fredericksburg, Texas, raised the Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat which sold for $250,000, marking the fourth record sale of the Junior Market Lamb and Goat Auction. The highest bid came from Denise and Chris Boening; Sheri and Rob Walker; Sherry and Connard Barker; and the Kym Coleman Education Fund (KCEF), represented by Cookie Michael.
Chris Boening, one of the Rodeo’s newest donors, said supporting youth scholarships is what keeps him returning each year.
“I enjoy coming back and being part of the donor group,” Boening said. “I’m really impressed with the lamb.”
2026 Market Lamb and Goat Champion Auction Overview (All rodeo records)
• Market Lamb Grand Champion
o 2026 - $1 million
o 2025 - $450,000
• Market Lamb Reserve Grand Champion
o 2026 - $310,000
o 2025 - $300,000
• Market Goat Grand Champion
o 2026 - $450,000
o 2025 - $400,000
• Market Goat Reserve Grand Champion
o 2026 - $250,000
o 2025 - $200,000