Quality animals, kids and buyers made the 40th 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction, the annual parade of champion beef, lambs, goats and swine, set 12 new record prices, according to a press release. The auction raised more than $680,000 in additional premium dollars from 106 head for Minnesota 4-H youth and animal science programs.

Among those receiving records for their stock were Landon and Madison Mattson, both of Freeborn County.

American Foods Group, Central Livestock Association and O&S Cattle Co. came together for a record-setting bid of $18,900 for this year’s grand champion dairy steer exhibited by Landon Mattson. The reserve champion dairy steer shown by Madison Mattson was purchased by the American Foods Group for $11,100 for another record price.

Proceeds from the 4-H Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction go to the winning 4-H youth, and 20% of the funds are designated to further Minnesota 4-H, the Minnesota 4-H Foundation and the auction scholarships. Forty-one  4-H Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction scholarships were awarded this year from the premiums received last year, and matching dollars are often provided by supporting businesses and organizations.