LIMA — Allen County’s finest milk, meat and wool, the end result of hours of work by many young junior fair presenters, were sold Friday at the annual Junior Fair Livestock Auction. 4-H participants showcased their animals to local buyers who were ready to pay the top price to support these young people.
The Lamb Grand Champion was sold at $4,400. The Llama/Alpaca Fiber was sold at $1,500. The gallon of Goat Milk was sold at $600. The gallon of milk was sold at $4,500. The Beef & Dairy Steer Grand Champion was sold at $12,200.
The animals are purchased at market value in addition to the auctioned price also known as the premium. The price per pound is multiplied by the weight of the animal. The children will receive the auction price and the price of the animal for all of their hard work and dedication.
“We are bidding on the premium today, which is above the carcass value because of all the extra work that all the kids have to do,” said Alan Begg, Bluffton buyer and 4-H advisor. “They have more money than the average producer due to spending a lot more time, effort and at times giving better feed to the animals. It is just for the kids going above and beyond.”
Begg is no stranger the 4-H auction. He and his family have participated in this event for years. He loves to support the children and believes 4-H prepares them for their future.
“I have been doing this for years and years,” said Begg. “I am working on my grandchildren now. I have two grandchildren in this fair and I am also a 4-H advisor. I am doing this not just for my grandchildren but for the whole community. This is a great experience for the kids, as it teaches them a lot of responsibility because it is a lot of work. There are ups and downs and a lot of life experiences here.”
One young participant, Zander Eley of the Perry Blue Ribbon 4-H club, weighed in on the auction.
“I get to sell my goat today,” said Eley. “I am excited.”
Following the auction, the carcass will go to the designated butcher and in some cases your favorite local restaurants.
Scott Shutt, Vice President of Kewpee Hamburgers, purchased a local cow to support the 4-H kids. The Champion Dairy Beef steer was purchased by the local hamburger diner at $5,250. The cow weighed 1,690 lbs. and is marketed at $1.36 per pound.
“I cannot wait to eat that cow,” added Eley.
