Donors changed lives at the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior Market Barrow Auction.
Weston Lackey exhibited the Grand Champion Barrow at the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This barrow sold for $350,000 to Gregg T. Reyes –Reytec Construction, Lisa Blackwood & Kimberly Wilkins, Kathy & Matt Norris, and Jackie & Jon Hodges.
Recovering from a recent knee injury, Weston persevered to prepare to show on the famous green shavings. “The experience is really everything to me,” Weston said. “All the people willing to support and the people that will help me for the rest of my life are awesome.”
Jason Lackey, Weston’s father, further described how much this show meant to him not just from a pig breeder’s point of view, but also from a father’s standpoint. “When they [the judges] shook his [Weston’s] hand, we were full of emotions,” Jason said. “I was proud of my kid, he wanted it really bad. It’s really hard to get here… but on days like this it is very rewarding.”
Gregg Reyes, one of the donors for the Grand Champion Barrow, shared his inspiration for sponsoring. “I love kids, I love giving back.”
Reyes continued by sharing what has kept him coming to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for so long, “Watching the kids compete and show and seeing how humble and responsible they are; this is why I always come back to this.”
Kamlynn Mason from Montgomery County exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow. This barrow sold for $321,000, breaking the previous record.
Mason discussed how grateful she is for the donors, “Thank you, buyers, for being a part of and supporting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and thank you for supporting what me, my family and others in this industry love.”
The Reserve Grand Champion Barrow was sold to Hodges Charity –Brooke, Erin & Jon Jr, Cristina & Christopher Box, Isela & Juan Garcia, and Mark Ward & Amey French. “The world has to be fed and somebody has to do that. This is an essential part of nourishing our world; I’m glad to be a small part of that by being a donor,” Ward said.
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $600million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2024 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 17. The 2024 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 22 – 24. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.