Washington Co., WI – There was some apprehension on how prices would shake out prior to the 2024 Washington County Junior Livestock Auction. There were murmurs of “inflation” and low conversations about the results of other meat animal auctions at county fairs across the state.
At the end of the Thursday night auction, the 4H and FFA kids had wide smiles and local businesses ended up being extremely generous with a gross $434,516.50 in sales.
Bidding for sheep started with the Grand Champion Jack Dornacker who pulled in a high bid of $23 a pound for his 140-pound sheep.
There were some massive animals in the Beef category. Henry Wolf pulled in $4.25 a pound for his 1,715 steer and William Schulz captured $8.25 a pounder his Overall Grand Champion who weighed in at 1,330 pounds.
The bidding for hogs took on a life on its own. After Olivia Strupp’s Overall Grand Champion hog pulled in a $20 bid at 262 pounds the bidding followed a normal path until the end.
Around 11 p.m. with a majority of bidders in place the best was saved for last as 10-year-old Tucker Gehl from the Addison Achievers tapped his 289 pound market hog onto the platform. The bidding went fast after $20 a pound escalated to a record $45 a pound.
“I was in shock,” said a soft-spoken Gehl. Questioned what he will do with the $12K he dryly said, “Pay some bills.”
Young farmers want to thank all the businesses and bidders for their support.
Below are totals from previous Washington County Fair Junior Livestock Auctions.
Washington Co., WI – Top prices bid at the 2023 Washington County Fair Jr. Livestock Auction. “Prices were really generous,” said Steve Janz superintendent of the Meat Animal sale committee. “It was a record sale for us, and we had over 150 bidders and just a great night for the kids.”
On July 27, 2023 the Washington County Junior Livestock Auction at the Washington County Fair raised $478,187 for youth livestock exhibitors, making it the highest grossing sale in fair history.
Washington County youth livestock exhibitors sold 126 market beef, sheep and swine animals during the three-hour sale for an average price of $5.50 per pound, $10.57 per pound and $8.12 per pound, respectively.
Seventy-one local businesses supported the auction in 2023, with multiple businesses
purchasing more than one animal. Mr. Hand Pay is commended with purchasing the 1,430
pound Grand Champion Market Steer for $14 per pound; Bunzel’s Meat Market for purchasing the 131-pound Grand Champion Market Lamb for $22.50 per pound and A to Z Quality Fencing for purchasing the 266-pound Grand Champion Market Hog for $22.50 per pound.
Bidders and buyers were welcomed to the fair with discounted entry tickets, priority parking and a pre-sale dinner by Catering by Bryan, Inc. of West Bend, organized by volunteers of the Washington County Junior Livestock Sale Committee.
Junior Livestock Exhibitors work year-round to bring their animals to exhibition at the
Washington County Fair. In cooperation with the Washington County Junior Livestock Sale
Committee, the Washington County Animal Science Association, local 4-H clubs and FFA
chapters facilitate various animal husbandry and meat quality assurance educational
opportunities for exhibitors to produce the highest quality protein for the food supply. Exhibitors utilize money earned from the sale of their animal to support future years’ projects or invest in college and career education.
Businesses who purchased livestock from the sale enjoy a high-quality meat product available for use in their own homes, or to provide as gifts for employees or company events. The Washington County Junior Livestock Sale Committee encourages community members to support the following local businesses who support Washington County 4-H and FFA youth:
Washington County Junior Livestock Sale Committee
PO Box 519
Allenton, WI 53002
For more information about the Washington County Youth Livestock program and the Junior Livestock Auction, visit www.washingtoncountyyouthlivestock.com.
Authors: Katelyn Dei and Laure Dei
Below are prices from the 2022 auction.
The beef sale saw a top bid of $9 a pound which went to Tessa Smith with the Richfield Rebels and her Overall Grand Champion Hereford. Cedar Lake Sales bid $5.25 a pound for Allison Loosen’s 1,255-pound steer and Albiero Plumbing picked up a 1,340-pound steer from Marquerite Bartelt with Kewaskum FFA.
BEEF PRICES…
Showing at the Jr. Livestock Auction at the Washington County Fair
The hog sale pulled in some strong bids with Tyler Strupp and Slinger FFA secured a $25 and $20 a pound for his Overall Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. Bob’s Main Street Auto brought home a nice 250-pound pig raised by Rachel Etta with Kewaskum FFA; it was the 4th Overall Champion. See the final bidding list below.
HOG PRICES….
The sheep sale saw prices top out at $30 a pound as Allison Loosen from Slinger FFA shows her 136-pound Overall Grand Champion. Tommy Schwai from Schwai’s Meat and Sausage takes home the 112-pound sheep from Paige Jambura with Hi-Lite Happy Workers.
SHEEP PRICES…
The final total on the night in sales for the Jr. Livestock Sale was $438,552.75.
