Zeilke Leads Auction at Berrien
Published: Friday, August 26, 2022
The Berrien County Youth Fair raked in a total of $613,633.61 at their large animal auction last Friday in Berrien Springs. Swine led the way with 166 lots sold, earning exhibitors $311,294.61.
Last year, the auction earned a grand total of $479,603.15. This year, $525,307.61 was from the large animal auction and $88,326 was from the small animal auction.
In beef, 33 lots sold for $155,589.50.
Jason Zeilke of Coloma led off with the 1,270-pound grand champion beef steer. He sold it to Bryan and Jan Conrad for $7,369.50, or $2.85 per pound. The reserve champion beef steer weighed in at 1,325 pounds and was sold by Nikki Smith of Bridgman, who earned $9,076.25, or $6.85 per pound, from a group of buyers (see list at end of story).
The grand champion market heifer was sold by Adysin Dombrowski of Buchanan. The 1,170-pounder sold for $3,259, or $2.70 per pound. Craig and Christy DeHart placed the high bid. The reserve champion was sold by Lillian Moore of Three Oaks, who sold to Elden Kuehl-Beck Seed and Feathers Floral for $2.70 per pound ($3,506 total). The heifer weighed in at 1,280 pounds.
Abigail Moody of Buchanan showed the grand champion dairy market steer. It weighed 1,250 pounds and sold for $2.75 per pound to Tiffany Rydwelski of AEP Cook Nuclear. The reserve champion weighed 1,425 and was sold by Hailey Hauch of Galien to Jerry Hauch, D&J Auto Parts and Hardware LLC and Norm Dudeck for $3,231.25, or $2.25 per pound.
Tyler Klopfenstein of Galien received $5,330 from buyers (see list) for a gallon of milk from his grand champion dairy cow. He bought the cow himself at the age of 15.
The 256-pound grand champion market hog was exhibited by Katelyn Dargus of Buchanan. She sold her gilt to a group of buyers (see list) for $3,803, or $13 per pound. The reserve champion market hog, also the grand champion barrow, was sold by Sydney Steinke of Eau Claire to a buyer's group (see list). She earned $5,637.50, or $18.50 per pound, from her 275-pound barrow.
Drew George of Niles sold the grand champion market lamb to a group of buyers (see list) for $2,680, or $20 per pound. It weighed 134 pounds.
The sheep club earned $21,211 from their 22 lots sold.
The reserve champion market lamb was shown by Lexi Herrman of Buchanan. The 151-pound wether sold for $1,081.50, or $6.50 per pound, to Lexi's Support Group, Denny's Automotive, Payne Heritage Country Store and Shawn Herrman family.
Emily Howell of Bridgman sold her 131-pound grand champion ewe to a buyer's group (see list) for $3,407.50, or $24.50 per pound. Lukas DeHart of Niles exhibited the reserve champion ewe, 110 pounds, and sold it for $2,450, or $22 per pound, to Craig and Christine DeHart.
Sixty goats sold for $30,432.50. Megan Brunke of Eau Claire sold the grand champion Boer market goat for $5,294, or $50 per pound, to a group of buyers (see list).
The reserve champion was shown by Elliot Biggs of Berrien Springs. It sold to Terri Fryman of Fryman Roofing Co. and T&J's Boer Goats for $810, or $10 per pound.
Brady Krassow of Niles exhibited the grand champion dairy market goat. It sold to Mike Koziel of Eagle Technologies for $1,585.50, or $13.50 per pound. The reserve champion dairy market goat was sold by Austin Krassow of Niles, which also sold to Eagle Technologies for $840, or $11.25 per pound.
Eme Teachworth of Baroda sold a quart of goat milk from her grand champion dairy doe for $1,450 to more than 30 buyers (see list).
In poultry, 87 turkeys sold for $16,226 and 100 lots of other poultry brought in $27,565.
Tiffany Rydwelski of AEP Cook Nuclear bought the grand champion market turkey from Bella Moody of Buchanan for $400. The reserve champion market turkey was sold to a group of buyers (see list) by Lauren Gardiner of Benton Harbor for $800.
Micah Necas of Three Oaks earned $275 from Karen Cummings, Horizon Bank New Buffalo, who bought his reserve champion tom turkey. Wyatt Anderson of Galien sold his reserve champion hen to Jessica Kehrer of Honor Credit Union for $250.
The grand champion market chickens were sold by Brycen Hein of Buchanan for $2,045 to a group of buyers (see list). Annabelle Shall of Watervliet earned $175 from Kevin McMahon, Pri Mar Petroleum for her reserve champion market chickens.
The reserve champion fryers were sold by Kallah Wheat, Buchanan, to Tom and Katrina Entwistle of Weldy Sales and Service for $250. Adalynn Hein, also of Buchanan, showed the reserve champion broilers, which sold for $1,195 to 12 buyers (see list).
Madison Hardt of Coloma earned $500 the dozen eggs from her grand champion laying chickens. She sold to Kim Hardt, Grand champion eggs lot 300; Bob and Savannah De Vries, Rev Excavating; Jasson Moffett and Jeff Ginter, GreenStone Farm Credit Services; Nancy Weber, Weber Orchards; and Kim Hardt, Hardt Farms.
In rabbits, the grand champion single market rabbit was exhibited by Hannah Kiggins of Buchanan. She sold it for $1,100 to Cyndi Kiggins, Buyer Group for Lot 101, Tom Pearson and family, Allen and Sharon Trapp, and Scott and Nicklas Totzke of Totzke Brothers.
There were 186 rabbits sold, bringing in $44,035 for exhibitors.
Alec Pastryk of Galien earned $800 selling his reserve champion single market rabbit to Taya Hardacre of Little Bucks Child Care.
Frank Quardokus of St. Joseph brought in $2,150 with his grand champion pen of two. Connie Quardokus was his buyer. Grace Bachman of Niles exhibited the reserve champion pen of two, which sold to Nicholas Powers of Ameriprise Financial McCourt and Associates for $600.
Buyer Groups
Reserve champion beef steer support group: Robert Brunke Plumbing; Laura Smith, Buyer's group for lot 702; Ashlyn Pastryk, Pastryk family; Carol Demeyer, Corey Jessweine New Carlisle; Janet S. Kuhn, Janet Swartz Kuhn CPA; Carol Hadley; Grandma and grandpa Brenning; Laura Smith; Laurie Reed, Eau Claire Fruit Exchange; Levi Diehm, Diehm Built; Nick Stewart; Aunt Connie Ott; Mary Ann Millar, Zahl's Elevator and Feed Mill; Kelly and Brad Bradshaw; Karren, Seifert's Farm Supply; Wilson Cattle Co.; Seldom Rest Farms/ Lois, Bruce, Scott and Andrew Foster; Andrew and Emily Foster; and Scott Pastryk, B.E.P. Farms
Grand champion gallon of milk support group: Dennise Klopfenstien, Team Ferbie; Payne Heritage Country Store; Wilson Cattle Co.; Brian and Kelly Dargus, Dargus Ag LLC; Fran Terry, Country Heritage Credit Union; Susan Schrumpf/Rodney Roperts; Bruce and Suellen Foster; Teri Freehling, Baroda Valley Farms; Kraig Pike, Pike Funeral Home, Bob DeVries, Rev Excavating/Bob and Savannah DeVries; Bob Mischke Farms; Ron Hein III, Hein Electric; Scott Zeilke, Shannon's Daycare Inc/Zielke Brothers Farm/Zeilke Property Management LLC; Rosa Keszler, Whirlpool Corp.; Jerry Kauch, D&J Auto Parts and Hardware LLC; Dale and Alene Klopfenstein; Melissa Payne, Come and See Farm; Marilyn Krieger, Krieger's Nursery; Kaitlyn Miller, Art and Image; Al and Kristine Shuler family; Dale, Lena and Kevin Young; Kevin Shuler; GF Trucking; Todd Soos, Soos Insurance Agency; Dick and Carolyn Paulsen; Crystal Springs Creamery; Angie Smoker CPA; Don and Carol Bloom/Josh and Deanna Hofing; Greg and Kathy Klopfenstein; Tim Trattles, Kalmbach Feeds; Adam Byrdak; Byrdak Lawn Care LLC; Tom Rossman, State Farm; Dale Klopfenstein/ Nick and Stefanie Kirk; Skorupa Farm; Kayne family; Lozmack family; Gamble Dairy Farm; and Pat, Teri Marissa and Natalie Freehling.
Grand champion market hog support group: Kelly Dargus, Melissa Payne of Come and See Farm, The Totzkes of Heritage Family Farms, Brooke Totzke of The Totzke girls, Rick Hill for Wilbur Ellis and Hillview Farms, Jim Wolf of Jim Wolf CPA, Brian Dargus of Tim and Coreen Dargus Farms, Vern and Vickie Herter, Joe Tone of Community Mills, Ron Hein III of Hein Electric, Brian Totzke of MeadowView Farms, Matt Moersch of Moersch Hospitality Group, Aaron Kaminski of A&L Seed LLC/Dairyland, Zak Kretchman of AgriGold Seed, Karren of Seiferts Farm Supply, the Beth and Scott Klug family, Brian and Kelly Dargus of Dargus Ag LLC and Jason, Susan Tyler and Charlie Ewalt.
Reserve champion market hog support group: Scott White, Sydney's Buyer Group; Phil Ameling, Arnt Asphalt; Grandpa Steve and Momo Gathright; Dan Norton, Baird Private Wealth; Vision Lawn and Property Management LLC; Scott Geiger, Brunke-Geiger Heating and Cooling; Janet and Everett Steinke; Stephanie Steinke, Advantage Installations; Vail Harding, Vail Rubber Works Inc.; Mike McGann, Business Furnishings; Rodney Burandt, Salesman at C Wimberly Ford; Scott Weich, AJ's Uptown Grill; Justin and Leann Scherer; The Totzkes, Heritage Family Farms; Brian Totzke, MeadowView Farms and Gary Barker; James and Amy Hemphill; Matt Warda, Matt Warda Hay Sales; Shelly Weich, Berrien County Treasurer; Kately and Matthew Koebel; Scott Weich, Nanny and Brant; and Jay Craig.
Grand champion market lamb support group: Tim George, Bruce Barwick Builders, Mimi and Papa and Grandma and Grandpa George; Chuck Durm; Tim George, Dr. Larry Smith DMV; Tim George, Jeffrey George; Gerald VanLue, Wolverine Electrical Contracting; Tim Trattles, Kalmach Feeds; Fran Terry, Country Heritage Credit Union; William Messner, Two Yahoos; and Joe Blair, Mark Farm Supply.
Grand champion ewe support group: Kirstin Howell, Emily Howell buyer group and Jeff's Towing and Recovery; Kraig Pike, Pike Funeral Home; Kirstin Howell, Grandma Ann Howell and Uncle David Howell; Uncle John and Aunt Kathy Miller; Windy Maples Farm; Brooke Totzke, The Totzke Girls; Rosa Keszler, Whirlpool Corp.; Jack Wheeler, Baroda Tire One; Al Broene, Hardings Market Bridgman; Loneta Kirk; Studio L.K. Family Salon; Keith Lambright, Shipshewana Livestock Inc. and Farmstead Inn; Douglas Narregan, Double J Farms Bit to Tail Equine Massage; Grandpa and Grandma Gilbertson; Dale Seyfred, Pioneer Seed/Andrew Doepker Assn.; Nate Payne, Payne Farm Drainage; Jim Howell, Dough and Alice Burleson; Aunt Therese Howell; David Jardin Realtor; Emily Robinson and Rachel Lang-Watkins, Fifth-Third Bank; and Allen Weich.
Grand champion Boer market goat support group: Kiana Brunke, Buyer Group lot 601; Rober Brunke, Robert Brunke Plumbing; Fran Terry, Country Heritage Credit Union; Ed and Linda Brunke; Art Brunke; Diane Brunke, Nye's Autotech/R.A. Mort Supply Co.; Gary, Gary's Custom Meats; Mike Jasper, David Schaffer/Kruggel Lawton CPA; Scott Zeilke, Shannon's Daycare Inc./Zeilke Brothers Farm/ Zeilke Property Management LLC; and Rosa Keszler, Whirlpool Corp.
Grand champion quart of goat milk support group: Jessica Tharp, Buyer Group for Lot 600; Roger and jessica Tharp, All In Farms; Scott and Beth Klug family; Jessica Tharp, 414 Performance Horses; Miss Kay; Amanda Baker; Jenna Drake; Dan Stacy; Harnish Performance Horses; Fishburns; Iwaniuks; Romeos; Janice and Hank; Bradford Family Farm; Matt Kuntz, MLK Farms; Grammy Cindy; Reifshneider Family; Hill Family; Tom Rossman, Tom Rossman/ State Farm; Gail Freeling; Lolamough; BCYF Stage Crew; DNS Farms; Spies family; Alf's Lawn Service; Crowder family; Gamso Family; Leneway Family; Meme; Dale and Lena Young; BCYF Fairgoers; Bruce and Suellen Foster; Don Byers, Cross Creek Farm; Tom Pearson Family; Jerry Glassman, Big Bear Auction Co.; About Time Farm; and Mom, Dad and Henry Teachworth.
Reserve champion market turkey support group: Andy Gardiner, A&B Farm; Rosa Keszler, Whirlpool Corp.; Chee-Chee and Papa; Grammy and Papa; Robson Country Store; Tara Matthews, TJ's Sports Grill; Mell and Ryan; and Ross and Amy Moore.
Grand champion market chickens support group: Ron Hein; Michigan City All Phase Electical Supply; Galien Pro Mart; Rodney Williams, Cut-Tech Inc.; Peasants Pantry; Ron Hein III, Hein Electric; K2 Solar; Heather Lloyd, Listing Leaders; Dale Seyfred, Pioneer Seed/Andrew Doepker Associates.; Jim Gunn, Beaudoin Electrical Construction; B.E.R HVAC; Tami Wreggelsworth, Wreggelsworth Farms LLC; Alice Kring, Redbud Insurance Service; Janet Kuhn, BC Mechanical Plumbers and Pipefitters; Adam Byrdak, Byrdak Lawn Care LLC; Marilla Gabrouska; Balcho Stoyanov; Grammie and Gramps; Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Adam; Grandma Sue and Grandpa Bill; and Scott and Nicklas Totzke, Totzke Brothers.
Reserve champion broilers support group: Ron Hein; Friedman Properties; Ron Hein III, Hein Electric; Dale Seyfred, Pioneer Seed/ Andrew Doepker Associates.; Aunt Debbie Friday; Jim Gunn, Beaudoin Electrical Construction; Tami Wreggelsworth, Wreggelsworth Farms LLC; Alice Kring, Redbud Insurance Service; Adam Byrdak, Byrdak Lawn Care LLC; Grammie and Gramps; Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Adam; Grandma Sue and Grandpa Bill; and Scott and Nicklas Totzke, Totzke Brothers.
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