American Royal champion, raised by three-time winner, is hardly a bum steer
By JENNIFER BHARGAVA
The Kansas City Star
JILL TOYOSHIBA/The Kansas City S
The Grand Champion Steer, "Andy," brought in $60,000 for 16-year-old Brock May (second right) of Mineral Point, Wis., 10 percent of which Brock said he will donate to charity. The buyers were Bryan and his wife Nancy Beaver (from right after Brock) and Liz and husband Greg Maday. The American Royal Junior Premium Livestock Auction was held at the American Royal Complex Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. JILL TOYOSHIBA/The Kansas City Star 11012009 auc110109
Brock May plays football and basketball. He loves to hunt and fish. But when it comes to raising award-winning livestock, the all-American boy from Wisconsin is on fire.
For the third year in a row, a steer lovingly raised by May was the Grand Champion in the annual American Royal livestock show. Bryan and Nancy Beaver and Greg and Liz Maday bought the steer for $60,000 at auction Sunday night.
More than 3,000 animals and kids from 25 states made their way to Kansas City for the weekend event.
Backstage at the auction, kids were busy preparing for the ring. Teenage boys combed their steers’ fluffy hair. Little girls sprinkled their hogs with glitter. All of them longed to be as successful as May.
The 16-year-old from Mineral Point, Wis., has built a reputation for racking up big bucks ever since he began competing in the American Royal in 2004. Last year, his steer brought in $75,000 at auction. Four years ago, another sold for $100,000.
His secret? It runs in the family.
His father has been participating in livestock shows his whole life as well.
“I grew up doing this,” May said. “I don’t know anything else, and I really have a passion for it.”
May’s little sister has even caught the bug.
“I’m proud of my brother because he puts a lot of work into his steers,” said Lauren May, 10. “I hope I can be as good as him one day.”
That makes Brock May proud.
“I hope to participate in this for as long as I can but one of my main goals right now is to help my little sister,” he said. “I want to show her the way — give her tips and teach her all the little things that have helped me.”
He also plans to save all his big earnings for college.
To reach Jennifer Bhargava, call 816-234-7737 or send e-mail to jbhargava@kcstar.com.
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