Records were broken at last Friday's Elkhart County 4-H Fair livestock auction in Goshen, as a whopping $941,982.75 of 4-H livestock was sold to bidders. This shattered the previous record of $852,807, set in 2005.
The lamb sale raised a record $103,862 on 138 lots. In 1998 210 lambs were sold, but this year's sale still boasted the record, in large part due to the sale of Tyler Sanders' grand champion single market lamb. The Nappanee resident sold his 143-pound lamb for a whopping $105 per pound ($15,015), narrowly edging the previous record of $100 per pound. His lamb was purchased by a support group (see list at end of story).
Laura Kercher of Goshen sold her reserve grand champion single market lamb to a support group (see list). Her lamb weighed 143 pounds and sold for $57 per pound ($8,151), also setting a new record.
The grand champion pen of two, also exhibited by Tyler Sanders, brought in $3 per pound ($420) from Millmark Enterprises. Taylor Hartman of Goshen sold his reserve grand champion pen of two to a support group (see list) for $7.50 per pound ($1,680).
The beef sale raised $304,272.75 from 167 lots, nearly reaching the record of $306,184 raised last year. The grand champion beef steer was shown by Jessie Beer of Milford. Her 1,370-pound steer commanded a top bid of $6.85 per pound ($9,384.50) from a support group (see list). The 1,275-pound reserve grand champion steer was displayed by Hillary Lechlitner of Wakarusa. It sold to a support group (see list) for $4.25 per pound ($5,418.75).
The 440-pound grand champion dairy feeder calf, exhibited by Rachel Schrock of Goshen, commanded a top bid of $4 per pound ($1,760) from Show Hauler Trucks Inc. Zac Cook of Goshen displayed the reserve grand champion dairy feeder calf. His 422-pound calf went to Middlebury 4-H Boosters for $4.85 per pound ($2,046.70).
The dairy feeder calf sale set two records, one in number of animals sold and the other in money raised. A total of 255 calves were sold, breaking the old record of 231, set last year. Money raised from dairy feeder calves totaled $235,130, breaking the previous record, set in 2005, of $195,931.
In swine, Kyle Bontrager of Nappanee showed the 275-pound grand champion barrow, which was fetched for $19 per pound ($5,225). It was bought by a support group (see list). The reserve grand champion barrow, which weighed in at 275 pounds, was displayed by Tyler Sanders. It sold for $12 per pound ($3,300) and went to a support group (see list).
Overall, the swine sale raised a record $213,683 from 298 lots.
Ten gallons of milk sold for a new record of $19,350 in the dairy auction. Allison Schrock of Goshen sold milk from her grand champion Ayrshire for $650 to Jan Schrock, Marc and Angie Blosser, S & L Painting, Merlyn Schrock, Robert and Candy Newcomer, Cutting Edge, Richmonds, and Lester and Laveda Bontrager.
Milk from the reserve grand champion Ayrshire, which was displayed by Kent Biller of Nappanee, went to Dr. Weldy's Associates for $300.
Lisa Oesch of Middlebury sold milk from her grand champion Brown Swiss to a support group (see list) for $1,000. Austin Thomas of Middlebury sold milk from his reserve grand champion Brown Swiss to a support group (see list) for $3,500, which set a new record.
Milk from the grand champion Guernsey, which was shown by Marlys Weaver of Goshen, also sold for a record price, $3,000. The milk was purchased by a support group (see list). Marlys Weaver also sold milk from her reserve grand champion Guernsey. The milk was bought for $1,000 from Yellow Creek Gravel, Dr. G.W. Snider, Premium Dairy Supply, and Chris and Jill Erb.
The grand champion Holstein was exhibited by Michael Paul of Goshen. Milk from his cow sold for $3,600 and was bought by a support group (see list). Dustin Eby of Elkhart sold milk from his reserve grand champion Holstein to a support group (see list) for a record price of $4,000.
Jena Toney of Goshen sold milk from her grand champion Jersey for $1,100 to a support group (see list). Austin Toney, also of Goshen, sold milk from his reserve grand champion Jersey for $1,200 to KLT Realty.
Leading off the rabbit sale was Wilbur Yoder of Goshen. He sold his grand champion meat pen for $450 to Michiana Medex Inc.-Judi and Henri Wesdorp, Dennis and Shirley Holsopple, and Goshen Health System-Henri Wesdorp.
Valerie Maust of Goshen had the reserve grand champion meat pen, and it went to Nelson's, Reith Rohrer & Ehret Funeral Home-Phyllis Cripe, M.C. Electric-Phyllis Cripe, Dr. Robert and Betty Abel, and Herb Maust for a record price of $600. Rabbits raised a record total of $19,095.
A total of 58 goats sold for $26,900. Dean Grass of Goshen sold his grand champion dairy market goat for $1,200 to a support group (see list). Eric Miller of Goshen displayed the grand champion meat market goat, and it went for $3,200 to Gordy's Subs and Pizza/Carl VanGilst and North Meadow Estates-Carl VanGilst.
The reserve grand champion meat goat, shown by Brady Shively of Wakarusa, was bought by a support group (see list) for $2,000. Adam Lehman of Goshen sold his reserve grand champion dairy goat for $700 to StarFleet, Middlebury Boosters, Mike and Rachael Webb, Grandpa and Grandma, Pokemon Stables, and Millersburg Animal Clinic.
In poultry, 84 birds sold and raised a total of $19,600. Allison Klotz of Nappanee sold her grand champion for a new record of $950 to Nappanee Farm Service and Lake City Bank. Nelson's was the buyer of the reserve grand champion, shown by Stephanie Weaver of Nappanee. It sold for $550.
The reserve grand champion roaster, also shown by Stephanie Weaver, brought in $250 from Phil Hahn & Associates of Nappanee. Max Heckathorn exhibited the reserve champion broiler, and it commanded a top bid of $250 from Rusty Wheel Acres.
Adrian Yoder of Middlebury displayed the champion Tom turkey, and it was purchased by Rusty Wheel Acres for $175. The champion Pekin duck sold for $125 and was purchased by Show Hauler Truck Inc. It was shown by Rosalyn Miller of Goshen.
The champion hen turkey, which was bought for $450 by Crystal Valley Lawn Care, was shown by Jessica Kelich of Bristol. Fritz Hesser of Goshen sold his champion goose for $200 to Hoppers Pike Street Grill of Goshen.
Support Groups
• Tyler Sanders' grand champion single market lamb—First State Bank of Middlebury, Shipshewana Auction, Ron George Livestock, Tod and Steph DeBolt, Randy Yoder Construction, Turtle Top and Associates, National Pedal Pull and Racers, Ruben Bontrager, Bonnie George, Crazy Chad's Goat Farm, Newcomer Service, A & K Marketing, Wilson Feeds, Al and Kandy Schminke, Aaron and Amanda Hall, Millersburg Animal Clinic, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Abel, Rex and Jim Holdeman and family, Nappanee Farm Service, Village Inn of Middlebury, Brad Thomas family, and Andy and Cheryl Gall.
• Laura Kercher's reserve grand champion single market lamb—Kercher's Sunrise Orchards, Sunrise Produce Inc., Refrigerated Services, SB Davis Co., UAP Great Lakes, Day Equipment, TiMar Construction, T & T Fertilizer, First Source Bank, Blake Doriot and Associates, Wakarusa Saw Mill, C & S Electronics, Sam's Tire, #1 Travel and Cruises, Martin Dairy, Nunemaker Seed, Martin's Supermarkets, Prairie Trail Farm, Terri and Ray Deahl, Phil and Jeannine Tom, Wayne and Deana Snyder, and Steve Oyer.
• Taylor Hartman's reserve grand champion pen of two—Mom and Dad Hartman, Grandpa and Grandma Hartman, Miller Club Lambs, Ropp Show Lambs, Showalter Club Lambs, Rex and Jill Holdeman, Todd and Stephanie DeBolt family, Keith Hathaway family, Kerm Hoover family, Mark Kritzman family, Ken Metzler family, American Countryside Farmer's Market-Elkhart, B & T Rabbitry, Dr. Weldy Associates Inc.-Wakarusa, Holmes Insurance Agency-Elkhart, J.B. Fervida Farm, Richmond's Feed Service-Wakarusa, Sheila Showalter of Re/Max-Goshen, Turtle Top-New Paris, White Veterinary Hospital-Goshen, Tom and Maureen Kercher of Goshen, and Popcorn Construction-Nappanee.
• Jessie Beer's grand champion beef steer—Nappanee Farm Service, Dr. Frank Wadas, Henschen Oil, Dr. Bruce Lamb, Tom Farms, All-Pro Gas, Midwest Tile, Hydro-Tek Seeding, Loucks & Weaver CPA, Martin Brother Contracting Inc., Grandpa and Grandma Beer, Dr. Rick and Cindy Burns, Fred and Heather Lechlitner, Martin and Garret Flowers, Squires family, Halderman Farm Management, Keith and Ardonna Weaver, Steve Beehler family, Heritage Farms LLC, Gravelton Machine Shop, Elkhart County Gravel, Kirkdorffer Trucking, Mark Miller family, Ron Gerber, Phil Hahn & Associates, Ron Shetler-Shetler's Heating & Plumbing, Eric and Chris Stutzman, Ray and Jade Vira, Hancor, Tim and Jody Hicks, Randy Yoder Construction, Dennis Polk Equipment, Gasvoda and Associates, Turtle Top, Goshen Plumbing & Heating, Limi and Scene Stutz, Yoder & Yoder Partnership, McCormick Motors, Beer & Slabaugh Inc., C.J. and Deb Bender, Eagle Ready Mix, Dennis Sharkey, Jeff Lorenz and family, Marissa and Mya Lorenz, Phil Neff, Jenkins Automotive, and Shipshewana Auction.
• Hillary Lechlitner's reserve grand champion steer—Jamie Lengacher/J & N Stone, Dr. and Mrs. R.M. Abel, Abel Bail Bonds, Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Sellon-M.L. Weldy Associates, Kindig & Sloat, Christofeno & Cosentino, Chris Gillam family, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Zell, Hostetler Door, Eric and Chris Stutzman family, T & T Fertilizer, Dr. Richard Burns orthodontist, Elkhart County Farm Bureau Credit Union, McCormick Motors, Max, Gina, Brian and Janelle Deatsman, Schwartz Electric, Richard Lechlitner family, Martin and Garret Flowers, Newcomer Jewelry, Miller's Merry Manor, Glen's Tires, Nelson's, Brown & Brown, Mayor and Mrs. Larry Thompson, Rollie Eby, Monteith Tire, L.J. Wagner, Nappanee Farm Service, and Marissa and Mya Lorenz.
• Kyle Bontrager's grand champion barrow—Bontrager Lawn Service, Lynn Loucks family, Beer & Slabaugh, Clark Farm Aggregates, Yoder Custom & Collision, Jason McKrill, Rist Show Cattle, SNS Snow Plowing, Jeff and Jeremy Gibson, Wilson's Feeds, Wells Fargo Bank, Grandma Monker, Turtle Top & Associates, Ron George Livestock, Henney Show Pigs, Nappanee Farm Service, Scott and Kristen Morehouse, Ashley and Kent Biller, Keith and Shirley Blosser, Ruben Bontrager, Jerry and Barbara Bontrager, Bonnie George, Master Distributors, Bruce Sanders family, National Pedal Pullers, Topeka Seed & Stove, Getz Brothers Auctioneers, Grandma Linda and Sharon Hogle, First State Bank, All Pro Gas, Popcorn Construction, Elkhart County Gravel, and Abel Bail Bonds.
• Tyler Sanders' reserve grand champion barrow—Shipshewana Auction, Ron George Livestock, Tod and Steph DeBolt, Wilson's Feeds, Al and Kandy Schminke, Aaron and Amanda Gall, Nappanee Farm Service, Rex and Jill Holdeman, Keith and Shirley Blosser, Brad Thomas family, Andy and Cheryl Gall, Steve and Lori Hannon Show Pigs, Kent and Ashley Biller, Popcorn Construction, Shipshewana Auction, Ervin Farms, Getz County Line Hay Sale, Shane and Gretchen Richey, Uncle Phil and Aunt Sis Trippe, Barney's 4 X 4, Dr. Topping, and Village Inn of Middlebury.
• Milk from Lisa Oesch's grand champion Brown Swiss—Doug Thwaits family, Showtime Trailer/Kerm Troyer, Clinton Center Feed Mill, ADM/Rich and Kristen Nisen, Farm Credit Services/Larry Dickinson, Topeka New Holland, Nutritional Blending/Tom Moneyheffer, Northstar Select Sires/Maurie Kline, Truelove Brothers, Premium Dairy Supplies, Michigan Milk Producers Assn., Jay Nihart, Stutzman Motor Sales, Semex-Mark Sellers, Middlebury 4-H Boosters, Archbold Equipment, Terri's Flower Basket/Terri Blosser, ABS/Carl Rapp, Northstar DHI/Mark Adam, Millersburg Animal Clinic, Sunrose Holsteins/Bruce Gingerich, Phil and Josh Gordon, Willie Mast, Dr. Robert and Laura Zell, Woodland Park, Shipshewana Auction, Myron and Murlene Oesch, and M & R Lawncare.
• Milk from Austin Thomas' reserve grand champion Brown Swiss—C & P Oil Co., Constantine Creamery, Jay Nihart, Edd's Supply, Shipshewana Auction, Premium Dairy Supply, KZRV-LP, MDZ Trucking-LLC, Maplebranch Farm, Nick Nicholas and family, Vernon and Dorothy Thomas, and Lake City Bank.
• Milk from Marlys Weaver's grand champion Guernsey—Premium Dairy Sales, Dr. G.W. Snider, Elkhart County Farm Bureau Credit Union, Dr. Hank Keller/Wakarusa Vet Services, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Zell, High Creek Electric, Wysong Transport, Studio 119, TiMar Construction, North Central Co-Op, and Topeka Livestock Auction.
• Milk from Michael Paul's grand champion Holstein—Dr. Weldy's Associates, Inc.-Dr. Jerry Sellon, Larry Kirkdorffer Trucking, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Abel, Premium Dairy Sales, Richmond Feed, Midwest Farmer's Market-Art Moser, Hoover Feed Service, Hartman Electric, Farm Credit Services, Henschen Oil, Kauffman & Sons Inc./John Deere, Monteith Tire, Tony and Vicki Guyas, Elkhart County Farm Bureau Credit Union, Brown & Brown Contractors, Fred Lechlitner, North Central Co-Op, Dr. Michael Beachy, Mark Sellers-SEMEX, Tom Cook-ABS, and Topeka New Holland.
• Milk from Dustin Eby's reserve grand champion Holstein—Dr. Weldy Associates-Dr. Sellon, Scholl Dairy, Kimlick Inc., Hahn Auctioneers, Glen's Tire, Herschberger Seed, Richmond Feed, Weldy Enterprise, Supersweet Feed, Dr. Robert Abel, Chamber of Commerce, Wakarusa Heavy Equipment, T & T Fertilizer, Miller's Creekside Acres, North Central Co-Op, Todd Hartman Electric, Mike and Kim Griggs, Dan and Peggy Bearss, Dr. Neil and Leslie Yoder, Lookwell Farms-Rolland Eby, Todd and Sheila Eby, and Farm Credit Services.
• Milk from Jena Toney's grand champion Jersey—Premium Dairy Supply, Michiana Dairy Veterinary Services Inc., North Star DHIA, Jay Nihart Trucking, Michigan Milk Producers Assn., North Central Co-Op, Edd's Supplies Inc., Clinton Center Feed Inc., Elkhart County Farm Bureau Credit Union, and U.S. Male & Hair Salon.
• Dean Grass' grand champion dairy market goat—Goshen Farm & Lawn, Honeyville Farm & Feed Supply, Dr. Weldy & Associates, Yoder-Stutzman Inc., Honeyville Metal Inc., Millersburg Clinton Twp. 4-H Boosters, Douglas J. Snyder DDS, Wes Culver, Clearview Enterprises, T & T Fertilizer, Jeff and Stacy James, and Superior Laminating.
• Brady Shively's grand champion meat goat—Hostetler Door, Hahn Auctioneers, S & L Painting, Heckaman Insurance, Newcomer Service, Hoover Lumber, Nelson's Golden Glo, L & M Electric, Kemp Electric, Star Fleet, Abel Bail Bonds, ADM Nappanee Farm Service, Chad Zahner National Pedal Pullers, Jakubowicz Goat Farm, Lake City Bank, Elkhart County Farm Bureau Credit Union, and Zahner Farms.