The 2018 Switzerland County 4-H Fair concluded on Saturday, July 14th with the annual livestock auction.
Buyers and sellers weathered the 100 degree heat index during the nearly five hour auction but it was all worth it. For the second straight year, the auction brought a record amount for the 4-Hers.
While other auctions saw a marked decreased, this year there were 173 animals which sold for a record $148,380. Last year there were 173 animals which set the previous record of $148,275.
The 19 beef exhibitors sold for $46,050 including $5000 for the grand champion sold by Hallee Archer and purchased by Chandler Chevrolet and Chandler Select. Ryan Hart’s reserve champion sold for $2700 and was bough by Bear Branch Supply.
The swine project saw 44 pigs sold for $39,875. Chandler Chevrolet and Chandler Select purchased the grand champion sold by Courtney Higgins for $1100. Dakota Richards sold the reserve champion to Dr. Robert Findley, DDS for $1300.
Goats continued to be the most popular item for sale. The 50 goats sold for $30,950. Peyton Richards had the grand champion which brought $1050 from Aurora Tire Center and Heritage Hill Farms. Kellen Griffin showed the reserve champion but did not sell at the auction.
The auction opened up with 27 rabbits being sold for $11,80. Chandler Chevrolet and Chandler Select purchased the first of its three grand champions on the day by purchasing Andrew Romans top hare for $550. Switzco Natural Gas Company purchased Justin White’s reserve champion for $345.
Hallee Archer sold a second grand champion with her sheep. It was one of 14 for sale which brought a total of $10,550. Rising Sun Vet Clinic and LAughery Valley Ag Coop Inc. purchased the lamb for $1100. Chandler Chevrolet added a reserve champion to its purchases. Garry Chandler purchased Sam Ridener’s sheep for $750.
The sale included 16 poultry tat sold for $4945. Korey Turner’s grand champion was bought by Mark Lohide, County Commissioner District III for $425. The reserve champions of Andrew Romans were bought by Kelso Builders for $400.
Three dairy projects brought $4200 with Zachary Weaver’s grand champion purchased by Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home for $2000. Kyatalin Baker sold the reserve dairy for $1500 to Jerry and Lisa Fisher.
Chandler Chevrolet and Chandler Select was the top buyer with purchases totaling $13,850. Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home was second with $12,230. Jeanne and Butch Konkle of Rt 56 Campground was next with $7390 followed by Aurora Tire Center at $7300 and Belterra Casino Resort & Spa coming in fifth at $6690.
Rounding out the top 10 buyers were Bear Branch Supply- $6550; Jamie Peters – $4625; Brown’s Farm Implement- $3925; Southeastern Indian REMC- $3300 and Rising Sun Vet Clinic- $3200.
