Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU), Farmers Union Insurance, and Farmers Union Industries purchased the Champion Market Beef Steer, shown by Lauren Lindeland of Blue Earth County, at the 29th annual Purple Ribbon Auction at the State Fair.

The steer was purchased for a record-price of $14,000, and the auction raised more than $310,000 in additional premium dollars from 88 head for Minnesota 4-H youth and programs.

Proceeds from the Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction go to the winning 4-H youth, and 20 percent of the funds are designated to further Minnesota 4-H, the Minnesota 4-H Foundation and the auction scholarships.

Minnesota Farmers Union, Farmers Union Insurance Agency, and Farmers Union Industries are businesses formed by farmers to support rural communities and family farmers.