Oklahoma Farm Bureau purchased premiums on livestock as the organization supported Oklahoma’s agriculture youth during the 2017 Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Friday, March 17 in Oklahoma City.
Before the start of the 2017 sale, OKFB received the 2016 OYE volume buyer award for purchasing the most premiums at the 2016 sale with 34 animals.
This year, OKFB partnered with fellow agricultural and rural organizations and individuals in purchasing the premiums for 27 animals.
“We are proud to be supporters of such a great opportunity for Oklahoma’s rural youth,” said Tom Buchanan, OKFB president. “We understand the skills learned through showing livestock, such as responsibility, record keeping and time management, is integral for the future success of these young agriculturalists.”
OKFB also purchased the chalice for the grand champion steer, shown by Tommy Glover of Elgin 4-H.
During the Sale of Champions, a special auction raised $60,000 in an effort to help with wildfire relief efforts. The steer was donated by the family of state Sen. Eddie Fields.
The 2017 OYE premium sale raised $1.15 million for students across the state who showed their livestock at the annual expo. The Grand Champion Steer topped the sale with $75,000.
