Any public school organization that can raise nearly $220,000 in today’s economy certainly has a reason to pat itself on the back, and the Magnolia ISD FFA and 4H programs have that honor.

The 27th Annual Magnolia ISD Livestock Show was held Sept. 24 and 25 and featured more than 180 students and 200 projects from all class levels and campuses. Students from third grade through 12th brought their chickens, hogs, rabbits, turkeys and steers, along with a variety of homemade goods and crafts, to the Magnolia ISD Ag Barn to show to potential buyers.

By the time the last add-on purchase had been made and the post-auction sales had been completed, Magnolia area buyers had spent $218,229.

The show’s big winner was Bear Branch sixth grader Todd Wellmann, whose project was named Grand Champion Steer. Wellman’s lamb project was also named Reserve Champion. Shea Johnson of Magnolia High School took second when her steer was named reserve champion.

Pictured, Todd Wellman (left) shows off his Grand Champion steer while Charlie Riley, along with his grand-daughter and wife, present Wellman with the award.

Submitted Photo

Magnolia High School FFA Instructor Jeff Anderson said final totals for the live auction sales had yet to be finalized. He did say that of the nearly $220,000 total raised at the show, $133,800 came through the live auction.

Other winners included: Broiler – Grand Champion, Jacqueline Baimbridge (MHS); Reserve, Dylan Nance (EES); Goat – Grand Champion Weston Wernecke (MHS); Reserve, Audrey Miller (MWHS); Hog – Grand Champion, Richelle Overton (MWHS); Reserve, Jeremia Hubbard (MES); Lamb – Grand Champion, Haydn Foley (MHS); Turkey – Grand Champion, Jessica Murski (BBJH); Reserve, Kyle Jeffery (MWHS).

Students who sold projects through the live auction will receive 91 percent of the sale amount back. Nine percent of the total goes back to the FFA and 4H programs, Anderson explained, to fund the organizations’ next show and pay for judges and prizes.

Anderson said the students can do as they wish with the money, but he said organizers hope they put it toward college funds.

“Some buy more projects, some put it toward a scholarship,” he said.

This year’s total, Anderson said, is “down a bit” over last year, about $6,000, but higher than the 2008 show brought in.

“With the state of the economy today, we’re just thankful the people were here and supported the kids the way they do.”

This year marked Anderson’s 21st show with the district and he is impressed with the support of the community.

“It’s just unbelievable how the people come and support this,” he said.

Unlike other local FFA sales, such as Tomball and Klein ISDs who show only projects from high school students, the Magnolia show includes students from all grade levels.

“We’re unique,” Anderson said. “We’ve never changed it, and don’t anticipate changing it.”

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