The Auction of Junior Livestock Champions at the National Western Stock Show is being held Friday. The auction is the final marketplace for ribbon-winning steers, lambs, hogs and goats that were raised by junior exhibitors, 4-H and FFA youngsters ranging in age from 9 to 18. The goal of the auction of Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion animals was to encourage today’s youth to seek a future in agriculture and to further their education. Of the thousands of junior market animals that compete at the National Western Stock Show each year, only 96 qualify for the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions. A majority of the winning bid price goes directly to the junior exhibitor and 10% of each bid price is donated to support the National Western Scholarship Trust. The 2024 Auction of Junior Livestock Champions pulled in $548,000 across the top eight champion animals. The Grand Champion Steer in 2024, shown by 13-year-old Croix Reimann of South Dakota, sold for $185,000 to Ames Construction Company. The record holder was a steer sold in 2023 for $200,000. More local videos here: https://youtube.com/@9news Subscribe to NEXT: https://youtube.com/@Nexton9NEWS Stay connected: 9NEWS Website: https://www.9news.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilike9news Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NEWS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9newsdenver/ Download the 9NEWS App: https://www.9news.com/appredirect/ Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER: https://www.9news.com/email 9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.