Hundreds of Texas students to show in Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction

Grand champion steer to be auctioned off at state fair

Students from all over Texas have a chance to sell their livestock to the highest bidder and win money for scholarships at Friday's Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction. Many of them have been preparing for this day for years.

DALLAS - A longtime State Fair of Texas tradition carries on this year -- the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction.

The 75th youth livestock auction at the fair kicks off at 1 p.m. Friday at Fair Park.

MORE: State Fair of Texas News

The tradition dates back to the 1940s and gives thousands of students an opportunity to show off their livestock.

On Friday, less than 500 kids and teens who are members of Texas 4H or FFA clubs will advance to the auction.

"4H and FAA teach so much more than just how to care for an animal. The financial responsibility and the leadership exercises and programs are really what it comes down to. This is the fun part right here," said Daryl Real, the State Fair of Texas' senior vice president for agriculture and livestock.

The money from the highest bidder goes into a scholarship fund.

Last year, the grand champion market steer sold for $130,000.

The event as a whole can raise more than $1 million for students wanting to stay in the state for college.

Organizers said they're hoping to break a record and raise $2 million.