With yet another record total, the Elkhart County 4-H livestock auction put over $2.1 million into the pockets of 4-H youth. Last Friday's record-setting sale in Goshen saw several highlights, including a 10-year 4-H'er who earned over $160 per pound for her lamb.
Janissa Lehman of Topeka received a record $160 per pound for one half of her grand champion pen of lambs. After add-ons, the total climbed to $163.06 per pound ($21,200.40) for the 130-pounder. The buyer group is listed at the end of this story.
Lehman, the daughter of Gerald and Melissa Lehman, is a 2026 graduate of Westview High School. She plans on attending Huntington University to study agribusiness. She is taking the second lamb from her champion pen to other shows this summer and fall. It was the reserve champion single lamb at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair.
Two other big winners were Wyatt Brown of Nappanee and Avery Hess of Wakarusa. Brown exhibited the grand champion beef steer, while Hess brought the reserve champion steer. Brown unloaded the 1,325-pound Chianina steer for $23 per pound to a buyer group (see list). After add-ons, the total rose to $23.45 ($31,075). The same steer was chosen as the grand champion steer in the Elkhart County open show on July 25.
With the reserve champion steer, Hess earned $15.45 per pound ($19,929) from a support group (see list). The crossbred steer weighed 1,290 pounds.
Hess wasn't finished in the auction ring. She also sold the 276-pound grand champion barrow, earning $52 per pound, but that number nearly doubled with add-ons. After all the donations poured in, Hess raked in $97.61 per pound ($26,941.44). The high bid came from a support group (see list).
Standing second behind Hess in the barrow show was Kinley Merrick. Her pig did not sell.
Overall, livestock exhibitors earned a record $2,156,109 last week. That's better than the previous record of $2,005,441.14, set just last year. The number of lots sold was 978, down 4% compared to 2025.
The beef and swine auctions, combined, generated over half of the total sales. One hundred and seventeen beef steers sold for $648,559.50, while 175 hogs brought a record $509,119.75.
Also setting new records were the dairy feeder calf, goat, lamb, poultry, rabbit and milk auctions. Ninety-five dairy feeder calves sold for $371,690.30, while 120 goats brought $170,880. Eighty-three lambs fetched $147,703.25, and 206 poultry pens generated $117,100. In the rabbit auction, 123 pens raised $85,905. In the milk auction, 54 lots sold for $88,325.
In the lamb auction, the grand champion single market lamb was exhibited by Natalia Baierle of Albion. She sold the 148-pounder for $55 per pound to a support group (see list). After add-ons, the total climbed to $60.74 per pound ($8,990). Baierle was also this year's champion in the large animal round robin showmanship.
Jocelyn Ernsberger of Goshen exhibited this year's champion in the large animal round robin showmanship.
Jocelyn Ernsberger of Goshen exhibited the reserve champion pen of lambs. The pair, weighing a combined 271 pounds, sold for $24.66 per pound ($6,683) to Agronomic Solutions LLC, Edd's Supplies Inc., Interra Credit Union, Rob and Nicole Geiger, Shipshewana Auction, Turtle Top and Associates, Wana Feed Service, R Landscaping LLC, TMI Sprinklers, Veterinary and Poultry Supply, Terry and Melody Ernsberger, Ferman and Mary Miller, KC Squared Farms, Revelation Club Lambs, Miller Rentals, and Friends and Family of Josie Ernsberger.
In the dairy feeder calf auction, first-year 4-H'er Corbin Eash of Middlebury sold the 472-pound grand champion calf for $20 per pound. With add-ons, the total rose to $20.85 per pound ($9,840). The high bid came from ADT Farm, Keystone Cooperative, Crop Tech Inc./Jerold and Alesha Miller, First State Bank, Joe and Cheryl Caffee family, Kevin and Mindy Park, Millersburg/Clinton Twp. 4-H Boosters, Shipshewana Auction, Wellington and Weddell Eye Care, Josh and Jenny Gordon, Farm Grown Flowers, Beer Livestock, Topeka New Holland, Warner Farms, Bartel and Co., and Tyler and Cally Erb family.
Grant Gruber of South Bend was next with the reserve champion dairy feeder calf. Gruber sold the 451-pounder for $15.55 per pound ($7,015) to Interra Credit Union, J&N Stone, MA Farms, Shipshewana Hardwoods, Bobby and Kristal Cutter, Land and Boundary, Mike and Sarah Hertsel family, Schmucker Grain & Feed, Tom Coy Trucking and family, Shelly Mobus Real Estate, McKinnies Real, Birds of a Feather Salon, Big Red Contracting, Terry Stump, Lambright Realty Group, Friends and Family of Danae Goshert, and Friends and Family of Grant Gruber.
In the dairy auction, Mable Post, a 10-year 4-H'er from White Pigeon, earned a record $23,425 for grand champion Holstein cheese. The buyers included: Dr. Paul Webb DVM, Friends of Mable Post, Ron Paul, Post family, ADM/Clinton Center Feed and the Nisen family.
Next was Kavion Haley of Middlebury. He sold grand champion Milking Shorthorn cheese for $2,400 to Master Steel Roofing, Kirkdorffer Milk Transport LLC, Friends and Family of Kavion Haley, Leann Acres, Brian and Brooke Miller, Larry and Dawn Scott, AgTek Solutions, Post family, ADM/Clinton Center Feed, Kaeb Sales Inc., Edd's Supplies Inc., Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Keystone Cooperative and Randy Yoder.
A box of cheese from the grand champion Brown Swiss brought $2,900 for Addison Nisen of Leesburg. Her supporters included: Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Susan and Mark Thomas, Friends and Family of Addison Nisen, Schoefernacker family, Post family, Kirkdorffer Milk Transport LLC, Dan and Kathy Seltenright, ADM/Clinton Center Feed and Kaeb Sales Inc.
Jordyn Lehane, a 10-year 4-H'er from Elkhart, exhibited the reserve champion Holstein. She sold cheese for a record $5,500 to Eric Miller, Eby Family Support Group, Hair Therapy of Goshen, ADM/Clinton Center Feed, Lookwell Farms and Millmark Enterprises.
In the goat auction, Catelynn Burkholder of Goshen received $2,000 for her grand champion meat goat. Add-ons pushed the total to $2,810. Supporters included: Friends and Family of Catelynn Burkholder, Alexandre and Whitney Baierle family, Brady and Katie Shively, Chad and Allison Burkholder, Clinton Center Feed, Councilman Adam Bujalski, Crossroads Food Animal Vet Service, Hoover Lumber and Coal Co., Interra Credit Union, Jeff and Katie Ewers, Jeremy and Lea Ann Mast, Mor Custom, Steve and Deb Shively, Tuckhill Goat Farm, Turtle Top and Associates, and Zac and Brittney Lechlitner.
Kate Evans of New Paris auctioned off the reserve champion meat goat for $8,325. Her buyer group included: Alexandre and Whitney Baierle family, B&B Home Builders LLC, Brett Whitehead family, Brian Clayton, Burt Electric, Dave and Rhonda Thwaits, Doug and Nancy Thwaits, ASA Electronics, Kevin and Mindy Park, MA Farms, New Paris/Benton Boosters, Nick and Stephanie Brown, Pro Lawn Seeding, Nick and Mollie Kieffer family, Barney Clayton, Jeremy Gibson, Josh and Bridgette Stouder, and Friends of Kate Evans.
Eric Beechy of Goshen exhibited the grand champion dairy wether and earned $5,400 from a support group. After add-ons, the total climbed to $5,600, with support coming from Fairland Farm/Greg and Dawn Birr, MA Farms, Hoosierland Excavating, John Troyer, Michiana Auctions, and Friends and Family of Eric Beechy.
With the reserve champion dairy wether, Claire Bartley of Middlebury received $6,375 from Amberwood Terrace Chiropractic, Greg and Cathy Yoder, MA Farms, Middlebury 4-H Boosters, Turtle Top and Associates, Mark and Amy Bartley, and Friends and Family of Claire Bartly.
In poultry, the grand champion commercial best of show was exhibited by Rhenn Weldy of Goshen. She earned $3,200 from Wayne Street Builders, Fred and Pam Schulz, Eric Stults/Edward Jones, Eric Bolyard, Hummel Group Inc., Ryan and Stephanie Weldy, Friends and Family of Rhenn Weldy, Middlebury Electric Inc., Larry and Kay Schrock, Hauling Ag Inc., Goshen Businessmen, Doug and Jeannine Schrock, Middlebury 4-H Boosters and Turtle Top and Associates.
Natalie Boocher of Goshen brought the grand champion meat class chicken, earning $650 from Bill and Nancy Everett.
Kate Holsopple Millersburg auctioned off her reserve champion commercial meat class chicken for $1,750 to Trent Hostetler/Indiana Farm Bureau, Lake City Bank/Elkhart, Sharon and David Freed, New Horizons Inc., Miller Poultry, Mike's Mower Service, Matt and Lanette Kritzman, Interra Credit Union, Friends and Family of Kate Holsopple, Millersburg/Clinton Twp. 4-H Boosters.
Annabelle Yoder, also of Millersburg, sold the reserve champion commercial best of show and champion duck for $400 to Turtle Top and Associates.
With the grand champion commercial goose, Selah Gingerich of Goshen received $1,800 from Drive Diagnostics, Hershberger family, Interra Credit Union, RMH Insurance Group and Red Barn Real Estate Group.
Weldy returned to the ring to sell the champion tom turkey. Bill and Nancy Everett had the high bid of $500.
Isabella Wingard of New Paris sold the reserve champion broiler for $950 to Super Shine Car Wash.
In rabbits, the grand champion 6-class meat pen belonging to Nellie Martin of Elkhart brought a record $4,150. Buyers included Abel Med, Nancy Weigelt, Nu-Mill, Joe and Karen Stichter, ANC LLC, 4A Detailing, Heckaman Insurance, Yoder Carpets, Moyer Electric, Interra Credit Union, Henschen Oil Inc., Heritage Parke Title, Friends and Family of Nellie Martin, and Doyle and Ann Stump.
Elkhart's Noelle Fry exhibited the grand champion 4-class rabbit, which fetched $1,100. Turtle Top and Associates had the high bid. Mason Zarse of Goshen sold the grand champion 4-class meat pen for $600 to Nicholas and Erin Datzman.
Support Groups
Janissa Lehman: ADT Farm, Agronomic Solutions LLC, Alexandre and Whitney Baierle family, Farm Credit, Interra Credit Union, Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Miller Poultry, Dr. Paul W. Webb DVM, Morehouse Grain Farms, Rain Guard, Seamless Guttering Inc., Wana Feed Service, TMI Sprinklers, Matt and Dawn Ernsberger, Terry and Melody Ernsberger, Middlebury Animal Clinic, Revelation Club Lambs, Blake and Kelsey Taylor, Levi and Quinn Parker, Keystone Cooperative/Swine Division, White Veterinary Clinic
Wyatt Brown: Andy and Billie Roeder family, Brian and Renee Campbell, Brian Clayton, Keystone Cooperative, Clinton Center Feed, Dairy Veterinary Mgmt. Services, Dave and Rhonda Thwaits, Doug and Jeannine Schrock, Forest River, Goshen Businessmen, Hahn Auctioneers, Homestead Auctions, Hoover Feed Service, Interra Credit Union, J&N Stone, Jason, Britt and Miles Nine, Jeff Hartzell family, Asa Electronics, Jill and Brandi Henderson, Joe and Cheryl Caffee family, Joe's Gyros, Kevin and Mindy Park, Kritzman Show Cattle, Lake City Bank, Larry Mullet, Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Lydell and Karmen Troyer, MAKS Plastics, Dr. Paul W. Webb DVM, Millmark Enterprises, Nelsons, New Paris Telephone Inc, Nick and Stephanie Brown, Patrick Industries, Pioneer Hi-Bred/Nappanee, R Yoder Construction, Ryan and Amy Thwaits, Schwartz Electric Inc., Silveus Insurance Group/Nappanee, Stumptown Cattle Co., Sunrise Orchards/Kerchers, The Kingwood Group Inc., Tim and Amy Graber, Tim and Jill Stutsman, Topping Dental Group, Turtle Top and Associates, Wakarusa Sawmill Inc., Bruce and Shelly Sanders, First Federal Savings Bank, Integra Ag, Wait Services LLC, Land and Boundary, 4-Star Rental, Oak Ridge Dog Training, Robby and Amanda Kelly, Ot and Deb Schroeder, Grandpa and Grandma Brown, Red Barn Real Estate Group, Flickinger Farms, Ryan and Pam VanderWey, A Plus Plumbing Solutions, Steve and Deb Shively, Hochstetler Grain Equipment, Glens Tire, Beer Livestock, Scot and Bobbi Croner and family, Zac and Brittney Lechlitner, 33 Rentals LLC, Jeremy Hartzell family, Max and Deb Schmucker, Dental Solutions, Alan and Janice Davidhizar, Mike and Sarah Hertsel family, Tom and Nancy Roeder, Pete and Deb Garber, Deer Grove Farms, Devine Sharpening, Elm Processing, Culpy's Garage, Silveus Insurance Group, Seed Genetics Group Direct, Scott and Brooke Evans, Sunny Fund N.A. Inc., Friends of Ty Colin and Maggie Park, Daton Lewis, Schmucker Grain & Feed, Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce., NFP Insurance, Dave and Cathy Fox, Randy and Jane Abel, S and S Automotive, Ben and Katie Sheets, Mcvey Enterprises, Maple Leaf Farms, Troy and Erica Davidhizar family, Hattie Ralston, Vantage Pointe Financial, 2026 Friends of Wyatt Brown
Avery Hess (reserve champion steer): Advanced Excavating, Brian Wuthrich, Summit Financial Group, Curt and Shelley Flickinger, Fervida Farms, Forest River, Henschen Oil Inc., Hometown Hog Feed, Hoover Lumber and Coal Co., Interra Credit Union, J&N Stone, Jason, Britt and Miles Nine, Jeff Hartzell family, Jody and Tara Lengacher, Joe's Gyros, Kritzman Show Cattle, MAKS Plastics, Martins Custom Butchering and Retail Meat, Millers Building Supply, Millmark Enterprises, Nappanee Family Eye Care, Nelsons, New Paris Telephone Inc., Patrick Industries, R Yoder Construction, Schwartz Electric Inc., Silveus Insurance GroupNappanee, Tereasa Hess and Brandon Laskowski family, Thompson-Lengacher-Yoder Funeral Homes, Tim Klotz, Turtle Top and Associates, Yoder Carpets, First Federal Savings Bank, Drew and Nicole Minnich, Austin and Kortney Clark and family, Charlie and Kristin Roeder, Flickinger Farms, Glens Tire, Brian and Janelle Deatsman family, Zac and Brittney Lechlitner, C&P Propane, Hess Family Farms, Schmucker Grain & Feed, Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, Huelsenbeck Farms, Kraig and Nicki Resler family, Lengacher Properties, Henney Farms, Chad and Amy Flickinger, Mark and Amy Brady, Timar Construction, Ramer Family Farm, Shepherds Fleet Service, Sugair LLC, Quality Window & Door, AJ Roofing, Josh and Abby Hill and family, Connor Hill, Constantine Flooring Center, Ryne and Hope Flickinger, Grandpa and Grandma Hess, Hostetler Landscaping, Ron and Gail Hostetler, Clunette Elevator, 2026 Friends and Family of Avery Hess
Avery Hess (grand champion barrow): Charlie and Kristin Roeder, Flickinger Farms, Resler Show Pigs, Troy Wuthrich family, Martin Brothers Contracting, C&P Propane, Brad and Lindsay Neff, Thompson-Lengacher-Yoder Funeral Homes, Drew and Nicole Minnich, First Federal Savings Bank, Turtle Top and Associates, Tim and Missy Risser family, Lynn and Carol Loucks, AJ Roofing, R Landscaping LLC, Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, BW Fusion, Andy and Jeanette Sobasky family, Taylor Sobasky, Huelsenbeck Farms, Mckenna Sobasky, Kraig and Nicki Resler family, Caretaker Residential Tree Management, Tereasa Hess and Brandon Laskowski family, Mead & White Electric, Rusty and Nancy Sobasky, Josh and Abby Hill family, Connor Hill, 2026 Friends and Family of Avery Hess, Sugair LLC, Farmstead Inn, Shepherds Fleet Service, Andy and Billie Roeder family, Summit Financial Group, Keystone Cooperative, Schwartz Electric Inc., Doug and Nancy Thwaits, Fervida Farms, Garrett and Keri Eby, Hauling Ag Inc., Henschen Oil Inc., Hometown Hog Feed, Interra Credit Union, J&N Stone, Jeff Hartzell family, Northern Lakes Insurances, Curt and Shelley Flickinger, Jill and Brandi Henderson, Ryan and Amy Thwaits, R Yoder Construction, Patrick Industries, New Paris Telephone Inc., Nelsons, MAKS Plastics, Jody and Tara Lengacher, Pro Lawn Seeding, Kritzman Show Cattle, Nappanee Family Eye Care, Martins Custom Butchering and Retail Meat, Miles and Amanda Kritzman, Monteith Tire
Natalia Baierle: Aaron and Amanda Gall, Agronomic Solutions LLC, Andy and Cheryl Gall, Brian Clayton, Burt Electric, Dave and Rhonda Thwaits, Derek and Taylor Thwaits, Doug and Nancy Thwaits, GBG Acres, Goshen Businessmen, Hauling Ag Inc., Hummel Group Inc., Jeff Hartzell family, Kritzman Show Cattle, Lake City Bank, Marty and Deb Gall, Miller Poultry, New Paris Telephone Inc., Ryan and Amy Thwaits, Shipshewana Auction, Tuckhill Goat Farm, Austin and April Sanders, Bret and Becca Stahly, Dowty Farms, Brady and Katie Shively, J&K Lawncare LLC, Steve and Deb Shively, John and Kaci Gall, Superior Diesel, Zac and Brittney Lechlitner, Reed and Harper Kauffman, Scott and Brooke Evans, Belstra Milling Co., JJW Homes LLC, Mark and Rebecca Schroeder/Schrader Real Estate & Auction Co. Inc., Whiteshire Hamroc, John and Judy Schrock, Alliance Feed, Koontz Family Farms, Brandon and Patricia Gall, 2026 Friends and Family of Natalia Baierle