Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Past President and Chairman of the Board, Don D. Jordan and family, made the rodeo’s 90th anniversary one for the history books, with their historic record-breaking $1 million purchase of the Grand Champion Steer, exhibited by Aven Horn of Anson, Texas, at the Rodeo’s 2022 Junior Market Steer Auction. This surpassed the rodeo’s previous record of $625,000 set in 2019.
“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and I were born in the same year, so we’ve spent a lot of birthdays together,” said Jordan, who will celebrate his 90th birthday in 2022, marking a symbolic year.
Jordan has a longstanding and special history with the rodeo. In 1986, he was elected to the Executive Committee. In 1987, he purchased the Grand Champion Steer for $75,000. From 1994 to 1996, Jordan served as President, and subsequently Chairman of the Board.
The Reserve Champion Junior Market Steer, exhibited by Tristan Himes of Sterling City, Texas, was purchased by Robert, Will and Catherine Clay; Andrea and Scott Fish; J Alan Kent Development — Julie and Alan Kent; and Sheri and Rob Walker for $675,000, also surpassing the rodeo’s previous record of $367,000 set in 2019.
“These kids are what Houston is all about,” said Alan Kent. “People just want to be able to give back.” With the record-breaking steer purchases, Aven will receive $85,000 and Tristan will receive $45,000. Based upon placing, the rodeo establishes a guaranteed minimum payment for each exhibitor who qualifies for a junior market auction. The rodeo also sets a cap amount above the guaranteed minimum for each auction lot. When bidding exceeds the cap amount, the additional funds go into the rodeo’s Educational Fund to be used for scholarship and grant recipients. Since its beginning in 1932, the rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education.
Editor’s Take:
Congratulations to everyone involved with this historic auction, especially the grand and reserve grand champion steer owners! Despite the fact the owners will not receive the million dollar and $675,000 actually paid, it is still indicative of the support for the kids who raise, show and sell these animals. Just as important is the support for agricultural scholarships that will be supported vis a vis the remaining amount bid and going to the foundation. This is merely one example of why we on the CAD team are so thrilled to be part of agriculture and all it represents. We trust you, as a CAD member, share in our pride!
