A beef steer raised on a Blue Earth County farm was recently purchased for a record-price $14,000 in the 29th annual Purple Ribbon 4-H Auction at the Minnesota State Fair.

The Maine-Anjou/Angus cross was shown by Lauren Lindeland, daughter of Lac Lindeland of rural Minnesota Lake and the late Lynn Lindeland. Lauren Lindeland is a freshman at Minnesota State University.

Minnesota Farmers Union, Farmers Union Insurance, and Farmers Union Industries purchased the 1,330-pound champion market beef steer.

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.