Record-Breaking $1.5 Million Sale for Houston Rodeo Grand Champion Steer

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At the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Grand Champion Junior Market Steer, an Other Cross II steer named Zinger exhibited by Mason Grady of Grandview, set a new world record by selling for $1.5 million at the annual steer auction. The Reserve Champion steer also set a new record, selling for $750,000 and exhibited by Jett Hale, an 18-year-old senior from Miami, Texas.

Why it matters

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest and most prestigious livestock shows in the world, and the record-breaking steer auction sales highlight the immense value placed on champion livestock by buyers. The proceeds from the auction benefit the winners' college costs and the rodeo's educational fund, which has committed over $660 million to Texas youth and education since 1932.

The details

Zinger, the Grand Champion Junior Market Steer, was exhibited by Mason Grady of Grandview. The Reserve Champion steer was exhibited by Jett Hale, an 18-year-old senior from Miami, Texas, who had earned the Reserve Champion title in 2018 and 2025 as well. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has previously seen $1 million sales for champion steers in 2022 and 2024, but this year's $1.5 million sale for the Grand Champion and $750,000 for the Reserve Champion set new world records.

• The 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo took place from March 3-22, 2026.
• The Grand Champion Junior Market Steer was named on Friday, March 20, 2026.
• The record-breaking steer auction occurred on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

What’s next

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will continue to be a major event for the city of Houston and the state of Texas, showcasing the best in livestock and agricultural achievements. The record-breaking steer auction sales will likely generate significant attention and interest in future years' events.