Junior Auctions

Record-breaking prices and charitable bidders make every auction and livestock sale at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ memorable. From around the state of Texas, young people bring their livestock to vie for some of the most coveted titles in the animal industry, Houston Champion. After the competition, all the hard work and dedication, the animals or art parade around the auction ring in hopes of bringing home the world-record bid!

Houstonians and Texans crowd into the Reliant Arena Sales Pavilion around noon on auction days to grab a seat to bid on the year’s top-quality livestock and school art. Each junior auction - swine, poultry (turkeys and broilers), lamb and goat, steer and school art — has an opportunity to reach new records and reward the hard work of these talented young people.

The benefits of the record proceeds reach not only the exhibitor or artist, but also students across Texas through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. Through set totals of guaranteed premium payments, the Show ensures a successful future for the exhibitor, while any excess money goes toward sending another student on to higher education. The Show implemented the guaranteed premium program in 1994. Through this program, all ribbon-winning junior market animals and auction-level winning art are guaranteed a minimum amount paid to the exhibitor.

Last year, more than $10.6 million dollars were paid at Junior Livestock Auctions, the School Art Auction and the Champion Wine Auction; with the proceeds benefiting youth and supporting education in Texas. Records have claimed fame, only to fall moments after their bid. The spirit of giving is never in short supply.