Students who won Grand Champion are Kakkie Jo Lee for her steer, Bailey Logsdon for her pig, Taylor Carden for her lamb, Thomas Francis for his goat and rabbit, Jessica Francis for her broiler, Zach Keller for his BBQ grill, Heidi Ritter for her art and Shane Comeaux for his cake.

The highlight of the day was the auction, which started at 1:30 p.m. More than 1,000 people attended the event despite the 40 degree weather.

Lee, a 12-year-old Grand Champion winner, sold her 1,275 pound steer for about $3,500 to the owner of a McDonald’s in Crosby.

Lee said everyday she had to “work with him [the steer] so he will be gentle, and wash him and feed him.”

However, she said she wants to buy a cell phone with part of her winnings.

Another champion, Logston, a 15-year-old high school cheerleader and volleyball player, sold her 241-pound pig for $3,300. She also won the showmanship award and Grand Champion last year.

Other champions include Carden and Francis, 16-year-old sisters who plan to save their winnings to go to Sam Houston State University and become Ag teachers. Carden has been in FFA since sixth grade and has placed twice in the shows.

Another champion, Thomas Francis sold his goat, Happy, for $2,600 and his rabbit for $1,900.

In all, about 86 animals were sold. The money from the auction went to students and into scholarship funds.

The FFA also sold a 10-foot trailer and hosted a silent auction to raise money for the FFA scholarship fund.

“The silent auction brings a lot of money for scholarships,” said Ag teacher Hilary Otto.

The Buyers Dinner occurred from 12 - 1p.m. The FFA booster club provided about 75 buyers complimentary BBQ and dessert.

“Without the booster club members we wouldn’t have a good show,” said Otto. “We also want to thank parents and buyers who came out in the cold, cold weather to support our kids.”

Photos (from top to bottom):

Kakkie Lee waits on the auction block as buyers offer big bucks for her champion steer.

Jessica Francis raised the Grand Champion broiler.

Bailey Logsdon shows off her Grand Champion pig. Photos by Crystal Simmons