The Junior Sale of Champions makes for compelling competition and is a great help to pursuing higher education.
The day begins to wane as the crowd grows nervous, anxiously sitting in their stadium seats. The chatter sinks to a silence as a steer is led to the pin so the bidding can begin. It takes only a heart-stopping second for the steer to be sold, the transaction to be made, and the next steer to be shuffled out. As the bids on the steers rise and fall throughout the day, the excitement and anticipation build as the judges slowly narrow down their decision on the Grand Champion Steer. The next day, they begin to prepare for the next season. It’s that time of year again, so get your wallets ready: The Fort Worth Syndicate sale at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is starting its bidding on February 5.
With more than 35 years of experience and dedication to the advancement of college education in young men and women, it’s no wonder that The Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate sale has become so enormously successful. Although there is tough rivalry among young students who are raising their steers and want to continue to pursue degrees in agricultural or life sciences, they each receive some scholarship awarded toward studying at a Texas university.
“Since 1980, they’ve raised more than $46 million for the youth exhibitors, provided over $1 million in scholarships for 4-H and FFA members, and helped more than 8,000 kids pursue their agricultural goals,” according to the Syndicate’s website. These numbers are impressive, and they continue to multiply. Over the past several years, the winning bid has increased dramatically. In 2013, Stock Martin and his Grand Champion Steer, Lunchbox, earned a ground breaking $205,000. Though this record breaking bid price is already held to exceptionally high standards, the winning offer continues to garner suspense, with last year’s winner, Madilyn Priesmeyer, earning $240,000 for her steer, Bob Marley.
With The Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate sale being the largest financial supporter of junior exhibitors, and the knowledge that the grand prize increases each year, this year’s competition will certainly be compelling.
To donate toward scholarships for this year’s contestants, visit www.igivehere.org/fwsss.
