Auction of Junior Livestock Champions

January 23, 2026

Supporting youth exhibitors through the exciting Junior Livestock Auction!

Of the thousands of junior market animals that compete at the National Western Stock Show each year, only 96 of the very best qualify for the exciting Auction of Junior Livestock Champions. The auction is the final marketplace for the ribbon-winning steers, lambs, hogs, and goats that were raised by junior exhibitors, 4-H and FFA youngsters ranging in age from 9 to 18. The auction of Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion animals is televised live on Denver’s 9NEWS, and winning bids have reached as high as $200,000!

The Auction of Junior Livestock Champions continues to encourage today’s youth to seek a future in agriculture, and to further their education. A majority of the winning bid price goes directly to the Junior Exhibitor, and 10% of each bid price is donated to support the National Western Scholarship Trust.


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Records Shattered - Celebrating the Bright Future of Agriculture at the 2025 Auction of Junior Livestock Champions

A sold-out crowd filled the auction arena for the 2025 Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, presented by BOK Financial. This year’s Grand and Reserve Grand Champions highlighted the promising future of the livestock industry, further solidifying the event as a cornerstone of agricultural excellence.

Emotion ran high as the bidding for the 2025 Grand Champion Steer soared to a record-breaking $210,000, leaving the crowd visibly moved. This surpassed the previous record set in 2023 when the Grand Champion Steer drew $200,000. Five out of the top eight animals set records, including the Reserve Grand Champion Steer selling for an impressive $125,000, topping the former record of $100,000.

[Read the Full Press Release]

Proceeds from the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions go towards the National Western Scholarship Trust.

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Outstanding Supporters

9news Dilley Printing
OXY
SSA Group
US Foods


2026 Event Info

The auction kicks off with a Bidders’ Social where guests enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres, while visiting with business colleagues, junior exhibitors, and scholarship recipients. Guests will then move into the CoBank Auction Arena for the live broadcast and exhilarating auction!

Date & Time

Friday, January 23, 2026
CoBank Auction Arena

4:30 pm: Bidders’ Social
6:30 pm: Auction & Live Broadcast
*You must have an invitation to attend!

2025 Champions + Buyers

The 119th National Western tips its hat to the Champions & Buyers from the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions

Grand Champion Steer
2025 Grand Champion Steer

Exhibitor: Madilyn Norvell of Turtle, OK
Buyer: Hutchison Western
Winning Bid: $210,000

Grand Champion Hog
2025 Grand Champion Hog

Exhibitor: Alice Hawk of Muncie, IN
Buyer: OXY
Winning Bid: $85,000

Grand Champion Lamb
2025 Grand Champion Lamb

Exhibitor: Clay Randall of Canute, OK
Buyer: TKM Foundation, Audra & Sean McNicholas
Winning Bid: $52,500

Grand Champion Goat
2025 Grand Champion Goat

Exhibitor: Sayde Allen of Elk City, OK
Buyer: Babson Farms
Winning Bid: $45,000

Reserve Grand Champion Steer
2025 Reserve Grand Champion Steer

Exhibitor: Rhylee Rodgers of Searsboro, IA
Buyer: Transwest Trucks, Inc.
Winning Bid: $125,000

Reserve Grand Champion Hog
2025 Reserve Grand Champion Hog

Exhibitor: Rylee Anderson of Chillicothe, MO
Buyer: Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce 
Winning Bid: $55,000

Reserve Grand Champion Lamb
2025 Reserve Grand Champion

Exhibitor: Brayden Bowers of Belmont, WI
Buyer: APC Resources
Winning Bid: $42,000

Reserve Grand Champion Goat
2025 Reserve Grand Champion

Exhibitor: Madden Wise of Brownwood, TX
Buyer: Wagner Equipment Co.
Winning Bid: $22,500