4 world records set at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Bird Auction

HOUSTON – The state’s finest poultry was sold at record prices to generous donors at the Houston Livestock Show and the Rodeo Junior Market Poultry Auction.

Exhibitor Kamryn Till, 18, from Nada, Texas, and her Grand Champion Junior Market broilers sold for $300,000, a new world record. Senior El Campo FFA said it was an achievement not only for herself, but also for her family.

“It was a family project,” Kamrin said. “My parents spent countless hours with me to raise these chickens.”

Kamryn broilers were purchased by Becky & Kelly Joy, J Alan Kent – Julie & Alan Kent, Debbie & Joey McGuire and Cheryl & Barry Heaton. McGuire, head football coach at Texas Tech University, said that although he is only in his second year at the auction, he knows how important sponsors are to exhibitors.

“It helps them get ahead in what they want to do,” McGuire said.

Spare Grand Champion Junior Market broilers shown by Gage Wilson, 8, from El Campo FFA sold for $175,000, breaking last year’s world record of $165,000. Gage’s broilers have been sold to Lauren and Darrell Palmer, Dr. Hannah Lindsrog and Jonathan Rhoads, Holly and John Knudsen IV, and Josh Harrison. Josh Harrison said he comes to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to thank the kids.

“Giving back allows us to provide the same opportunities that I have,” Harrison said. “We just want to support the kids.”

18-year-old La Vernia FFA member Tyler John, who will be studying diesel mechanics at Del Mar College in the fall, and his main junior champion in Turkey, Boss Hogg, brought in $200,000, setting a new world record. He said that without the family it would not have been possible.

Tyler’s turkey was purchased by Gregory N. Miller, Mary and Joe Chastang, Dinah and Trey Willbanks, and Jennifer and Doug Bosch. Miller said the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is an important opportunity for exhibitors.

“Everything the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo stand for is important and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he said.

Trent Ellebracht, 16, of La Vernia, Texas, sold his reserve Junior Market Turkey Grand Champion Big Mama for $195,000, setting another world record at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. After graduating from high school, Trent hopes to attend Texas A&M University to study chemistry.

Billy Parker, Mach Industrial – Kathleen and Tom Mach, Meredith and Patrick Chastang and Ron Logan acquired a reserve Junior Grand Champion in Turkey this year. Tom Mah said there are many reasons why he donates to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but it all comes down to exhibitors.

“It’s all for the kids,” Mach said. “You’re looking to the future and we’re excited to be a part of it.”