By: Knox Graham
 
JACKSON, Miss.—The Dixie National Rodeo fun kicked off early Thursday morning in the state’s capital.
 
Governor Phil Bryant was on hand to start the week at the fairgrounds and spoke to the crowd gathered for the Champion Market Animals auction.
 
“Agriculture alone in the state is responsible for over $7 billion dollars to the economy,” he said.  “That dollar amount also accounts for around 29% of the jobs in the state.”
 
The scene was filled with animals of all sorts.  Cows, hogs, pigs, goats, and others filled the back staging area as their owners of the small variety combed and petted them.
 
One of the youngsters, Matthew McKay of Petal, had just a first place trophy for his prized goat when News Mississippi caught up with him.
 
“The judge said the goat was one of the best he ever saw this year,” he said.
 
When questioned on what distinguished his goat from the others, McKay said it was simple.
 
“A tough back…he’s got a really tough back.”
 
McKay’s trophy was so big it met him at the hip.
 
The auction got underway shortly afterward and the Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions didn’t disappoint.
 
The first cow out of the back sold for over $25,000 and several hogs and sheep went for over $5,000.  All 4-H members in the state and FFA members aim for a spot in this sale according to the Dixie National Rodeo’s Facebook page.