Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction Raises $2.7 Million
The annual event held on October 2, 2026, supports agricultural and educational scholarships for students across Texas.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction generated $2.7 million in total proceeds on October 2, 2026. These funds provide agricultural and educational scholarships for students throughout Texas.
Why it matters
The auction provides critical financial support for Texas youth, funding agricultural opportunities and scholarships. By covering operating costs, the State Fair of Texas ensures that all donations directly benefit student programs.
The Grand Champion Market Steer, named Roger, sold for $227,000, while the Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer fetched $76,000. These results contributed to a total auction effort that drew from 2,400 total entries.
The players
Jett James
He is the student owner of Roger, the Grand Champion Market Steer that sold for $227,000.
Frank Deel
He is a member of the family that purchased the Grand Champion steer at the 2026 auction.
State Fair of Texas
This organization hosts the annual event and manages a scholarship program that has awarded $25.3 million since 2018.
The details
Youth exhibitors compete throughout the year to earn one of the 604 available spots in the auction held at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center. Frank Deel and Family along with the Big Tex Champion Club purchased the top-selling steer, while the State Fair of Texas team placed a $15,500 bid on a Breed Reserve Market Steer.
Timeline
The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction occurred on October 2, 2026.
State Fair employees began the annual tradition of purchasing animals in 2015.
Since 2018, $25.3 million has been distributed in scholarship awards.
The 2027 Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction is scheduled for October 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This auction functions as a vital pillar within the broader State Fair of Texas youth scholarship program. It demonstrates how institutionalized agricultural events consolidate regional philanthropic efforts to secure long-term education funding.
Residents and local businesses participate by bidding on livestock, directly impacting the availability of scholarships for Texas students. By covering administrative costs, the organization ensures that these community contributions are allocated entirely to educational support.
The takeaway
The event highlights the intersection of agricultural competition and community-based philanthropy in the Dallas area. Participants can support future student success by attending or contributing to next year's livestock exhibition.
What happens next
The 2027 Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction is scheduled to take place on October 1, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives in Dallas Philanthropy.
More information
Find further details and program updates on the State Fair of Texas organization website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by White Rock Lake Weekly.
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