Megan Dale of Clements High School F.F.A. sold her Market Goat to Gringo’s owner Heather Carroll.
Sold! The Jr Livestock Auction hosted by the 2020 Fort Bend County Fair Association generated $378,100 for F.F.A. and 4-H livestock exhibitors. While the auction total is not final, the reality of being able to exhibit animals and have an auction during a pandemic took tumultuous efforts by the exhibitors, the fair board of directors, parents, volunteers, staff and the buyers. Compression Components of Texas, Fort Bend Buyers Group, and Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales paddled their way to be the three top buyers at the 2020 auction.
In August, the board of directors announced the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo was officially canceled due to COVID -19 except for the Livestock Show. The livestock auction, just as the 12 livestock shows prior, had to be approved by Fort Bend County elected and health officials. The auction buyers are typically treated to a reception with a meal, social time and a picture with the exhibitor and livestock project they purchase. Due to COVID-19, none of the buyers’ incentives were applicable. All buyers were there with one mission: to support the youth of Fort Bend County. One hundred eighty-eight lots were purchased at the auction, either by buyers in person or online.
The Commercial Heifer Auction raised over $166,550. The Freezer Sale’s totals are still being tallied, but early calculations show over $59,000 being generated.
A bit of history was made, as the Jr. Livestock Auction was held in the O.D. Tucker Rodeo arena for the first time in the Fair’s history. Commissioner Vincent Morales, Millis Group, Inc, Compression Components of Texas, 4B Ranch, Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers and Fort Bend Charities, S.O.L.E. Sister Buyers Group, Brown & Gay Engineers, Huegele Holdings, Michael & Shannon Triplett, Michael & Debora Thelen, Pediatric Dentists of Katy, Davis Brothers Construction, Smokin Bayou Boys, Arenosa Development, Morales Ranch and State Senator Phil Stephenson all committed to purchasing a Grand or Reserve Champion lot.
Visit FortBendCountyFair.com for more information on the Fort Bend County Fair.