Buyers and supporters of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo gathered and set two world records at the Junior Market Lamb and Goat Auction Saturday, March 18.
Lot 1, Kerr County 4-H member Cameron Crenwelge’s Grand Champion Market Lamb, was purchased for $270,000 — a new world record — by the Ruth Hildebrand Scholarship Fund/The Hildebrand Family. Jeffrey Hildebrand said he bought the lamb in honor of his parents, Ruth and Tommie Hildebrand, who were longtime members of the Lamb & Goat Auction Committee.
“This is one of the greatest organizations in the country that exists, in terms of helping youth expand goals and get to college,” Hildebrand said. “This is a springboard to get them to the next step in life.”
Hudson Franklin, 10, of Shallowater, Texas, exhibited the Reserve Champion Junior Market Lamb. His lamb was purchased for $125,000 by Tammy, Peyton and Mitchell Barrier; Michelle Iversen Jeffery; KCEF Foundation/Cookie Michael; and Pamela M. Logsdon, CPA. Michael said her goal in purchasing lambs at the auction is to help parents give their children the best educational opportunities.
“Kids are our future, and we need strong youth to take care of our world,” Michael said. “I’m a strong believer in education and giving equal opportunity to kids who work hard and have goals.
The Grand Champion Junior Market Goat, Willie, sold for a record-breaking $180,000 to buyers Skip Avara, B.J. and David Boothe, Mary and Ken Hucherson, and Amy and Mark Melton. David Boothe, a past officer of the Lamb & Goat Auction Committee and a buyer for more than 30 years, said it makes it worthwhile investing in the kids, such as Willie’s owner, Abbott FFA member Daylan Schulz, 16.
“That’s the reason we do it,” Boothe said. “To see them get an education. Not only the students who came today, but also several others benefit from this. It’s an investment in our future and our nation.”
The Reserve Champion Junior Market Goat, owned by Eldorado FFA member Davis Hutto, 18, was bought for $115,000 by Mimi and Tom Dompier, Anne and Chris Richardson, Kristina and Paul Somerville, and Jennifer and Joe Van Matre. Chris Richardson, auction buyer since 1980, said it’s rewarding and easy to invest in such good, young people.
“It has to do with the work ethic that it instills in the kids,” Richardson said in regard to supporting the Show. “Some money over the cap starts spreading out to other kids, too, and benefiting them.”
GRAND CHAMPION LAMB
- Exhibitor: Cameron Crenwelge, 17
- Hometown: Comfort, Texas
- Club/Chapter: Kerr County 4-H
- Price: $270,000 (world record)
- Buyers: Ruth Hildebrand Scholarship Fund/The Hildebrand Family
- World Record: $270,000 (2017)
RESERVE CHAMPION LAMB
- Exhibitor: Hudson Franklin, 10
- Hometown: Shallowater, Texas
- Club/Chapter: Lubbock County 4-H
- Price: $125,000
- Buyers: Tammy, Peyton and Mitchell Barrier; Michelle Iversen Jeffery; KCEF Foundation/Cookie Michael; and Pamela M. Logsdon, CPA
- World Record: $145,000 (2015)
GRAND CHAMPION GOAT
- Exhibitor: Daylan Schulz, 16
- Hometown: Abbott, Texas
- Club/Chapter: Abbott FFA
- Price: $180,000 (world record)
- Buyers: Skip Avara, B.J. and David Boothe, Mary and Ken Hucherson, and Melton Electric/Amy and Mark Melton
- World Record: $180,000 (2017)
RESERVE CHAMPION GOAT
- Exhibitor: Davis Hutto, 18
- Hometown: Eldorado, Texas
- Club/Chapter: Eldorado FFA
- Price: $115,000
- Buyers: Mimi and Tom Dompier, Anne and Chris Richardson, Kristina and Paul Somerville, and Jennifer and Joe Van Matre
- World Record: $147,000 (2016)
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show runs through March 26.