HOUSTON — Record-breaking bids and emotional moments defined this year’s RodeoHouston Junior Market Steer Auction, where steers sold for over $600,000 each.
Jacob Schickedanz, 16, of Perryton, Texas, claimed the Grand Champion title with his black crossbred steer, Kareem. The steer sold for $675,000, with an opening bid of $50,000 placed by Congressman Jake Ellzey, a family friend.
Schickedanz’s sister, Maddie Schickedanz, earned the Reserve Champion title at the 2024 Market Steer Show.
“It’s a whole lot of hard days, early mornings, and long nights,” Jacob said. “They support me—my mom, dad, and two sisters. I couldn’t do it without them.”
Kareem was purchased by Sally Flores, Belinda Flores-Young, and Chay Flores-Taylor, who donated in memory of Rigo Flores Sr.
Flores-Taylor said supporting the Houston rodeo was important to her late father, and the rest of the family continues the tradition.
“He loved this show,” Flores-Taylor said. “He loved the opportunities it provides. We just want to keep his memory alive.”
Jett Hale, 17, of Miami, Texas, broke a record with his Reserve Champion Charolais Cross steer, Mike, selling for $690,000.
“I don’t think people understand how much time, effort, and money go into these things. You have to work with them every day and keep them going so people can present them like this,” Hale said.
Mike was purchased by the Champagne Cowgirls and the Tutcher Family Foundation.
Ellie Francisco and the Champagne Cowgirls previously bought Hale’s Reserve Champion steer seven years ago when he was just 10 years old.
“[Jett] came up to us and said, ‘Please, can you send me the hide?’ So, we mailed him the hide back,” Francisco said. “When he won Reserve last night, we were very, very excited.”
