Champion steer brings record bid

SPRINGFIELD – This year’s Illinois State Fair grand champion steer brought a record bid Tuesday evening from the governor and first lady of Illinois.

A bidding war began once 13-hundred pound Bob the Steer came out during the Sale of Champions. M.K. Pritzker offered a record-breaking $105,000 for the animal. The winning contestant was Landrey Freeman of Winchester, 17. According to the Pritzkers, the meat from the steer will be donated to charity.

Auction proceeds are split between the entrants, Illinois FFA and 4-H. Everything from the top cheddar cheese to the grand champion barrow is auctioned during the annual State Fair Sale of Champions.