Two animals were auctioned off for record-breaking amounts July 25 at the Jefferson County Fair.
The animals – one steer and one market hog – were both named grand champions of the fair.
The steer, which is a young, male cow raised for beef production, was auctioned off for just under $34,000 to Nu Way Concrete Forms and Rentals. Aaron Rhomberg attended the auction on behalf of the winning company.
The steer weighed 1,416 pounds and sold for $24 per pound, making for a total of $33,998.40. The per-pound weight was more than double the previous record of $10 per pound.
The winner, 13-year-old Paisley Epple of Hillsboro, went business to business with information about the steer, herself and how she would use the money to fund her future endeavors in agriculture.
Jefferson County Livestock Show Association President Daniel Bonacker attributes this to her success.
“Ultimately, how a steer like this happens, is you have a kid who’s passionate and hardworking and puts in the hours, and Paisley made it happen,” he said. “I think that’s a cool thing, and maybe a rare thing in kids her age.”
The prized market hog was auctioned off for $30.50 per pound, earning $7,189.46. The previous record for market hogs was $16.50 for a total of $4,162.62.
The record-breaking hog belonged to Morgan Crosby, 15, of Hillsboro.
Morgan Crosby, 15, of Hillsboro and her grand champion hog, which sold for $4,162.62.
Dar-e-Kreme in Cedar Hill placed the winning bid for the grand champion hog.
The fair’s auction teaches kids in agriculture the work ethic involved with raising and preparing to sell an animal, Bonacker says. The money earned in the auction supports youth in agriculture by supplying them with more funds to buy animals and projects.
Goats, sheep, steers and hogs are auctioned off at the fair; this year, 35 youth involved in 4-H, FFA and the Junior Cattleman’s Association participated.
A total of $182,152.74 was made at the auction, with 30 different area businesses purchasing livestock. Epple’s and Crosby’s record-breaking livestock accounted for nearly a quarter of the earnings.
Bonacker is thrilled with the record-breaking achievements this year and what it means going forward.
“It makes a big statement when an animal sells for that much,” he said.