DENVER, CO. – 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.
The generosity of the buyers was on full display as the sale totals were tallied. The top eight champion animals collectively sold for a new record of $637,000, surpassing the previous record of $585,000 set in 2023. This remarkable display of support underscores the community’s commitment to fostering the growth of young agricultural talent and the continued success of the Junior Livestock Auction during the National Western Stock Show.
The monies go directly to the junior exhibitors who raised the animals, helping to support their agricultural careers and college education. A portion of the proceeds also benefits the National Western Scholarship Trust, which provides scholarships for agriculture studies and rural medicine at colleges across Colorado and Wyoming. This year, 110 students received financial support for their education.
The top eight junior market animals were auctioned live on 9NEWS at 6:30 p.m. The results are as follows:
Grand Champion Steer
Madilyn Norvell, 14, of Tuttle, OK, took home top honors with her steer, Thunder, named after her favorite basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Grand Champion Steer sold for a record $210,000 to Hutchison Western, in honor of the late Buck Hutchison, founding member of the Junior Livestock Action and a devoted supporter of youth in agriculture. Madilyn’s love for livestock showing began at age 5, inspired by her parents, who are both champion exhibitors. After high school, Madilyn plans to attend Oklahoma State University, join the livestock judging team, and eventually pursue a career as an agricultural lobbyist.
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
The Reserve Grand Champion Steer, named Mogcky, was exhibited by 14-year-old Rhylee Rodgers of Searsboro, IA. Transwest Trucks, Inc. purchased the champion steer for a record $125,000. Rhylee is an avid livestock exhibitor, showing cattle and pigs, and enjoys playing volleyball. She also aspires to attend Oklahoma State University and remain actively involved in the livestock industry.
Grand Champion Hog
Alice Hawk, 14, of Muncie, IN, exhibited the Grand Champion Hog, Goose. OXY purchased the Grand Champion Hog for a record $85,000. This marks Alice’s second year in the junior market show, and winning Grand Champion Hog is a dream come true. Alice plans to attend college, study animal science, and become a large animal veterinarian.
Reserve Grand Champion Hog
Rylee Anderson, 18, of Chillicothe, MO, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Hog, Scout which sold for $55,000 and was purchased by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. As this was her final livestock show, Rylee was thrilled to conclude her career on such a high note. Her favorite aspect of the Stock Show is the lifelong friendships she’s formed.
Grand Champion Lamb
Eighteen-year-old Clay Randall of Canute, OK, raised the Grand Champion Lamb named Tucker. The Grand Champion Lamb was bought by TKM Foundation, Sean and Audra McNicholas for a record $52,500. Clay has a deep connection to the livestock industry. He plans to study real estate or insurance while playing baseball in college. Clay treasures the connections he’s made, saying the livestock community feels like family.
Reserve Grand Champion Lamb
Brayden Bowers, 15, Belmont, WI, exhibited Spook, the Reserve Grand Champion Lamb which sold for $42,000 to APC Resources. With six years of experience showing at the National Western Stock Show, Brayden plans to attend junior college and join a livestock judging team before transferring to a senior college. He hopes to farm with his grandfather and raise show pigs and lambs.
Grand Champion Goat
Humble, the Grand Champion Goat, was shown by 15-year-old Sayde Allan of Elk City, OK. Babson Farms purchased the Grand Champion Goat for a record $45,000. Sayde’s favorite part of showing is traveling across the country and gaining new experiences. In addition to her livestock accomplishments, Sayde is active in FFA and enjoys playing basketball and softball.
Reserve Grand Champion Goat
Madden Wise, 18, of Brownwood, TX, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Goat, Phillip which sold for $22,500 to Wagner Equipment Co. Madden began showing livestock at 10 and aspires to become an agricultural lawyer and business owner.
About the National Western Stock Show
Established in 1906, the National Western Stock Show is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides college and graduate-level scholarships in agricultural science, business, and rural medicine. Our mission is to serve producers and consumers worldwide by being the premier annual livestock show and center for year-round events. The 16-day show in January also serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular-season professional rodeos, world-class horse shows, family educational events, and Colorado’s largest western trade show. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com.