The South Texas Agricultural Roundup, Inc. was founded in 2003, hosting its first annual STAR youth event on February 25-28, 2004 at Edinburg Municipal Park in Edinburg, Texas. As part of its first event, a livestock show, premium auction, and scholarship program resulted in more than $400,000 committed to helping Hidalgo County 4-H and FFA youth prepare for their futures.
The founding board included Michael Grahmann - President, Joe Carter - President Elect, Luis H. Saldana - Secretary, Aaron Vela - Treasurer, Fernando Ramirez, Bobby Aguilar, Nelda Garza, and Sue Duleba. The show continues to grow every year thanks to the help and dedication of the youth, parents and families, volunteers, agricultural science teachers, county Extension agents, businesses, city and county officials, and the many donors that make this event a great success.
2011-12 STAR Board of Directors
Mike Yarbrough - President
Luis Saldana - Past President
Bruce Kroeker - President Elect
Janice Dudley - Treasurer
Michelle Elsworth - Secretary
Chuck Bitner
Joe Carter
Louis duBois
Jaime Flores
Mike Helle
Paul McDaniel
STAR is a non-profit 501(c)3 organizations. All contributions and donations are subject to federal laws in accordance with this non-profit status.
2009 Highlights
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706 4-H and FFA youth involved with 887 livestock entries
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358 youth participated in the auction
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51 youth won showmanship awards
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$190,345 in estimated STAR Add-ons
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$309,750 awarded directly to youth in the premium auction
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$44,400 awarded in college scholarships
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100% of exhibitors expected to receive a premium check
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6-year total exceeds $4 million
2008 Highlights
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748 4-H and FFA youth involved with 928 livestock entries
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376 youth participated in the auction
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40 youth won showmanship awards
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STAR Add-ons estimated to have surpassed $100,000
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$33,950 awarded in college scholarships
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$350,000 estimated to have been raised in auction for kids
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100% of exhibitors expected to receive a premium check
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5-year total expected to exceed $3 million
2007 Highlights
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756 4-H and FFA youth involved with 944 livestock entries
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380 youth participated in the auction
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40 youth won showmanship awards
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STAR Add-on program brought in over $142,188
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$ 30,600 awarded in college scholarships
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$594,188 raised for Hidalgo County youth
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100% of STAR exhibitors receive a check
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2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007 contributions exceed $2.4 million
2006 Highlights
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657 4-H and FFA youth involved with 843 livestock entries
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321 youth participated in the auction
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77 youth won showmanship awards
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STAR Add-on program brought in over $145,000
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$30,000 awarded in college scholarships
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$608,663 raised for Hidalgo County youth
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100% of STAR exhibitors receive a check
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2004, 2005, & 2006 contributions exceed $1.8 million
2005 Highlights
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660 4-H and FFA youth involved
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347 youth participated in the auction
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65 youth won showmanship awards
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STAR Add-on program brought in over $145,000
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$30,000 awarded in college scholarships
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$668,850 raised for Hidalgo County youth
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100% of STAR exhibitors receive a check
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2004 & 2005 contributions exceed $1.2 million
STAR's 2004 Inaugural Year Highlights
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557 different Hidalgo County 4-H & FFA youth
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293 youth participated in the auction
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Every youth received at least $50 in premium
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65 youth won showmanship awards
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Champion market steers and breeding cattle brought $3000
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STAR Add-on program produced $115,000
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$32,000 awarded in college scholarships
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Over $530,000 raised for 4-H & FFA youth
