DALLAS – September 23, 2026 – A time-honored tradition at the State Fair of Texas®, the Big Tex® Youth Livestock Auction celebrates the agricultural heritage of Texas while helping provide educational opportunities for students across the state. More than 2,600 students from across Texas compete for one of 604 spots in the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction, held at 1:00 p.m. in the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center on Friday, October 2. 

The students who earn a spot in the auction have the opportunity to sell their animals to buyers who support youth agriculture and education. Students receive a predetermined maximum payment for their animal, with proceeds above that amount benefiting other Texas students through the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction & Scholarship Programs. Through the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, the State Fair has awarded more than $25.3 million in auction awards and scholarships since 2018 alone, helping Texas students pursue their educational goals and invest in the future of Texas agriculture. Last year, the Grand Champion Market Steer sold for a record-breaking $200,000 to Frank Deel and Family. 

WHAT: The State Fair of Texas will host the 78th Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction, an essential component of the State Fair of Texas livestock program since its establishment in the 1940s. 

WHY: The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction is a cornerstone of the State Fair of Texas’ mission to support agriculture, education, and community. Through youth livestock competitions, the State Fair provides educational opportunities to more than 5,800 students studying or practicing agriculture from across the state. Approximately 2,600 of those students compete in the week leading up to Auction Day for one of the 604 spots in the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction. 

Through the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, the State Fair has awarded more than $25.3 million in auction awards and scholarships since 2018 alone, helping Texas students pursue their educational goals and invest in the future of Texas agriculture. 

WHEN: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Media: Please arrive by 12:45 p.m. to secure your spot in the arena. 

WHERE: The Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center arena at the corner of Washington and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The physical address is 1403 Washington St., Dallas, TX, 75210. Official State Fair media credentials are required for parking at Gate 3.  

WHO: Hundreds of 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors who have earned top honors in their respective classes, along with their families, State Fair of Texas donors and buyers, volunteers, leadership, community leaders, and supporters. 

Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor member and three-time Super Bowl champion Darren Woodson, Honorary Chair of the 2026 Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction, will also be in attendance. Woodson is a longtime advocate for Texas youth, supporting efforts that prepare young people for success in college, work, and their communities. 

There will be opportunities for interviews and photos with youth exhibitors, State Fair leadership, Darren Woodson, donors, buyers, and other event participants.  

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the State Fair of Texas is passionate about supporting agriculture, education, and community through programs such as the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs. 

To donate to the programs, please visit BigTex.com/Donate. Contributors of $250 or more will receive a tax letter noting the deductible portion of their contribution.