By Andi Anderson
Elkhart County 4-H Fair has set a new record at its livestock auction, raising an impressive $1,811,895.90 on July 26. This figure surpasses the previous record of $1,515,104.87 set in 2023. Various categories saw record-breaking sales, contributing to this new high.
The beef auction raised $595,363, selling 110 beef animals. The grand champion steer, owned by Brennan Mattern, was sold for $20.78 per pound, totaling $27,531.25. The reserve grand champion steer, owned by Miles Nine, sold for $12.29 per pound, bringing in $16,960.
In the Dairy Feeder Calf Auction, 135 calves were sold, raising $282,080.82, breaking the 2023 record. The grand champion calf, owned by Caroline Hertsel, sold for $25.47 per pound, totaling $10,035. The reserve grand champion calf, owned by Elijah Hertsel, sold for $18.18 per pound, bringing in $10,180.
The swine auction set a new record with $397,504.88 raised. The grand champion barrow, owned by Ivy Shoda, sold for $84.51 per pound, totaling $22,986. The reserve grand champion barrow, owned by Avery Hess, sold for $25.22 per pound, bringing in $6,986.50.
The rabbit auction raised $80,400, breaking the previous record. The grand champion meat pen, owned by Nellie Martin, sold for $3,375, while the reserve champion meat pen, owned by Kristen Metzler, sold for $2,050.
The goat auction set a new record with $150,050 raised. The grand champion meat market goat, owned by Austin Gall, sold for $11,090. The reserve grand champion meat market goat, owned by Wesley Burkholder, sold for $1,170.
The grand champion dairy market goat, owned by Kharece Barden, sold for $2,680, while the reserve grand champion dairy market goat, owned by Tyler Miller, sold for $2,700.
The milk auction raised $58,214, breaking the 2022 record. The reserve grand champion milking shorthorn’s milk, owned by Luke Mast, sold for $7,875, surpassing the 2023 record. Milk from the reserve champion brown Swiss, grand champion Guernsey, reserve grand champion Guernsey, and reserve grand champion Holstein also set new records.
The poultry auction saw 218 pens sold, raising $126,729. Various champions and reserve champions in the commercial meat class, best of show, broiler, and commercial categories contributed to this total.
The lamb auction raised $121,554.20, selling 84 lambs. The reserve grand champion single market lamb, owned by Macy Morehouse, sold for $75.60 per pound, totaling $10,130. The grand champion pen of two market lambs, owned by Austin Gall, sold for $24.81 per pound, bringing in $3,424, while the reserve grand champion pen of two, owned by Jake Carrick, sold for $12.27 per pound, totaling $3,118.
These record-breaking sales highlight the success and dedication of the participants in the Elkhart County 4-H Fair.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: Indiana, Business, Livestock