Records were made to be broken at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Jr. Market Barrow Auction where the Grand and Reserve Champion Barrows sold for an astounding amount.
2025 Jr. Market Barrow Champions with Auction Sales:
- Grand – Dallas Martinez, Shelby County 4-H, $501,000
- Reserve – Zachery “Ky” Blount, Kerr County 4-H, $360,000
Donors:
- Grand– Dallas Martinez
- Jackie & Jon Hodges
- Russell Marine, LLC
- Jill & Russell Inserra
- Reytec Construction – Gregg T. Reyes
- Reserve – Ky Blount
- Cristina & Christopher Box
- Isela & Juan Garcia
- Bridgette & John Grimes
- Stronghold Limited – Dorothy & Darrel Pearson
Dallas, a 13-year-old sixth grader from Center, Texas, exhibited the Grand Champion Hampshire barrow. His barrow sold for $501,000, breaking the previous record set in 2023 by $126,000.
Dallas began showing pigs at three years old and started competing at major stock shows when he was nine years old. He splits his time between sports and livestock—playing quarterback in football and training show pigs with his grandfather on weekends.
Dallas said, “I am excited. It feels amazing.”
Donor Jackie Hodges said supporting the Junior Market Barrow Auction remains meaningful for her family.
“The kids — they’re incredible,” Hodges said. “I’m just honored that I’m able to attend and be able to support them.”
She said that, although the donor group did not enter the auction with a record in mind, the moment took over. “Every year we want to, but you never know,” Hodges said. “You feel rogue out there, so you never know.”
Ky Blout, a 16-year-old sophomore from Kerrville, Texas, showed the Reserve Champion crossbred barrow “Squirt” which sold for $360,000—breaking another Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo record. Outside of livestock, he plays baseball. He said he considers showing a family tradition.
“I’ve been showing at Houston for seven years now,” Ky said.
He said he sensed he was on the right track after early recognition in the competition. “I was walking in, and [the judges] said I won wave one,” Ky said. “That’s kind of where I got [the feeling]. I was most excited to hug my mom. I would just like to say thank you to everyone.”
Donor Juan Garcia said the support shown at the auction reflects the hard work of each committee member, worker and volunteer.
“I’d like to take a step back and also thank our donors and volunteers,” Garcia said. “From the very highest level down to the rookie working at two o’clock in the morning getting our buses out—that is how we’re able to do what we do.”
Garcia reminded attendees that record-breaking moments are not just driven by major donors.
“When I say donors, I’m not just referring to the big [donors],” Garcia said. “So, thanks to all our donors.”
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 $630 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2025 Rodeo is scheduled for March 4 – March 23. The 2025 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 1. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.