Invest in Texas Kids
The Youth Auction is the grand finale to the Junior Livestock Show. Each year thousands of youngsters spend months working on their projects which they bring to Austin to show. The top placing exhibitors earn a coveted spot in the Youth Auction.
Buyer InformationAn Investment in the Youth of Texas
At the Youth Auction, members of the community, businesses, family and friends support these deserving youth by “purchasing” their lot. The buyer does not take home an actual animal, but these funds go directly to the 4-H and FFA students so that they may save for college, invest in future livestock projects, start their own businesses or pursue other endeavors for their future.
A note from our Youth Auction Chair
It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Chairman of this year’s Rodeo Austin Youth Auction. I believe in our mission of growing the next generation and the Youth Auction is an enormous piece of that.
By donating to the Youth Auction, raising funds, or having your own Buyers Group, you are not only helping a child’s future, you are helping to shape the future leaders of our country. Over the years, I have seen firsthand how these young folks have benefited from our efforts at the Youth Auction. It is truly a team effort. I am very thankful for every buyer and volunteer that has dedicated their time and funds to the Youth Auction. It is going to be a record-breaking year. I cannot wait to see everyone!
Steven Voelker
Board of Directors
Youth Auction Chair
Making a Contribution
The Youth Auction Volunteer Committee works hard year round to solicit donations from philanthropic community leaders and local businesses to reward these hard working youth. Thank you to the Youth Auction leadership for embodying the spirit of Rodeo Austin and ensuring all exhibitors are rewarded for their efforts.
Donations: Contributions of any amount can be applied to a buyers group you choose to support, or an add on donation can be made to any individual exhibitor. Buyers group donations can be made anytime, and add on donations can be made just prior to and for a couple of weeks following the Youth Auction.
Buyers Groups and Individual Buyers: Donors may participate individually by attending the event and bidding as an individual buyer. This option is ideal for companies wishing to support youth. Buyers Groups solicit donations throughout the year and purchase under one Buyers Group name. This option is ideal for entities that represent a group of philanthropic minded individuals.
Event details
The Youth Auction will be held at the Rodeo Austin fairgrounds inside the 100X Dance Hall on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The sale schedule is below. 452 exhibitors will sell their projects. Rodeo Austin will follow all health and safety guidelines for this event. We will continue to update this page with more details for exhibitors and buyers.
Schedule
March 28, 2026
8:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
8:45 a.m. – Poultry Auction (52 lots)
10:00 a.m. – Goat Auction (90 lots)
11:30 a.m. – Lamb Auction (88 lots)
1:00 p.m. – Steer Auction (100 lots)
2:45 p.m. – Art Auction (8 lots)
3:00 p.m. – Barrow Auction (114 lots)
All buyers should arrive to Gate 1 or 2 (7311 Decker Lane) and park as directed in the F parking lot.
About 4-H & FFA
Junior Livestock exhibitors qualifying to sell their project at the Youth Auction are members of 4-H and FFA. In addition to building the next generation of agriculturists, these programs emphasize skills and values like leadership, volunteerism and community. The process of caring for a livestock project from purchase to sale teaches these students life skills such as time management and responsibility. These key values help prepare the next generation of Texas for the future.
