During last week's 4-H livestock auction in Goshen, Elkhart County 4-H'ers needed strong support from the community to keep the auction total above the million-dollar mark for the fourth consecutive year. As the bids came in, many of those 4-H'ers walked out of the ring with smiles on their faces and the assurance of a big pay day.
With 1,082 lots selling, receipts from last Friday's auction amounted to $1,153,487.28. The total is off $137,109 from last year's record $1,290,596.
While the overall total was down, the auction did witness new records in the goat and poultry sales.
Individual 4-H'ers cashed in, with some earning impressive prices.
Mya Lorenz, a 10-year 4-H'er from New Paris, was the most notable. She sold the grand champion beef steer for $13.40 per pound ($18,090) to over 50 buyers (see list at end of story). The steer weighed 1,350 pounds. The record is $15.75 per pound, set in 2010.
Standing second in the beef show was Miles Nine of Milford, who sold his reserve champion steer for $5 per pound ($5,306.40) to a support group (see list).
In the swine show, the high bid on the 281-pound grand champion barrow, shown by Goshen's Brandi Henderson, was $40 per pound ($11,240). Over 30 buyers collaborated on the purchase (see list). Gavin Erb of Millersburg received a record $27 per pound for the reserve champion barrow. Friends and family (see list) paid $7,761.36 for the 292-pounder. The old record was $17 per pound.
Caroline Mullet of Nappanee led her 499-pound steer to the winner's circle in the dairy feeder calf show. Last Friday, she sold it for $17 per pound ($8,108.75) to over a dozen friends and family (see list). Emerson Mast, also of Nappanee, sold the 394-pound reserve champion dairy feeder calf for a record $17 per pound ($6,402.50) to friends and family (see list). The previous record was $14.50 per pound.
In sheep, Riley Graber of Goshen sold the grand champion market lamb for $22 per pound ($2,750) to her parents, Tim and Amy Graber, as well as the Mark and Karla Rayburn family, Tim and Missy Risser family, Brett and Kerry Gessinger family, Kami Glass family, Jeff Babcock, Shipshewana Auction, and Doug and Ryan Thwaits. The lamb weighed 125 pounds.
The reserve champion lamb, weighing 136 pounds, was exhibited by Austin Bernicky of Claypool. It sold for $4 per pound ($544) to Assurance Property Management.
A bid of $10 per pound purchased the grand champion pen of lambs, which were shown by Mikayla Rayburn of Goshen. The lambs, which weighed a combined 272 pounds, netted $2,720 from Michiana Auto Sport, J&M Farms, Eby Ford, Sark Club Lambs, White Veterinary, Millmark Enterprises, Bruce and Shelly Sanders, Pluimer Farms, Doug and Andrea Rosezelle, Stumpy's Old Time Pizza, Chase Bank, Mark and Karla Rayburn, Farm Credit Services, Tim and Amy Graber, and Keith and Jane Hathaway.
Darin Lehman of Topeka sold the reserve champion pen of lambs for $16 per pound ($3,968). Buyers included Interra Credit Union, Topeka Seed and Stove, Mike's Automotive Service, Wana Feed Service, Bob Tyson, Agronomic Solutions, Assurance Property Management, Rain Guard, Homestyle Butchering, Crop Tech, ADT Farm and Dr. Paul Webb. The pen weighed 248 pounds.
In the milk auction, grand and reserve champion exhibitors sold baskets of cheese. Alexandra Keiser of Nappanee led the way with her reserve champion Holstein. She sold a cheese basket for $3,600 to friends and supporters. The list includes American Sunspace, Kirt's Cleaners, Towne Restoration, Jackie Walorski for Congress, ServPro of South Elkhart County, Hahn Investment, Dr. Robert Abel, White House Restoration, Miller Stove and Fireplace, AdvoCare, Lindsay Miller, John Hayes, State Farm Insurance, First Choice Fire and Water Restoration, Topping Dental Group, Schwartz Electric, Jim's Archery, Terry's Cleaning and Restoration, Dr. Weldy's Associates, ServePro Kosciusko and Noble counties, ABCO, First Response, Ab Brown/State Farm Insurance and ADM Feeds.
The grand champion Holstein was shown by Dustin Kemp of Middlebury, but he did not sell a cheese basket.
Everett Eby of Goshen led the grand champion Guernsey, selling a cheese basket for $2,350. Buyers included Leatherman Supply Inc., Elkhart Big R, Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Dr. Robert Abel, Silveus Insurance Group, Interra Credit Union, DeLaval Dairy Service, Herman and Lois Schrock, Brent D. Sonner DDS PC, Clinton Center Feed, Dr. James Myers, Lake City Bank, Kronk family, Todd and Tina Mast, Roger and Janice Eby, Doug's Sports Cut, Keith Neuenschwander/Edward Jones, Kroger, Kent and Linda Eby.
Katlyn Rhoades of Elkhart showed the reserve champion Guernsey and sold cheese for $800 to Yellow Creek Gravel.
Olivia Yoder of New Paris earned $1,600 from the sale of cheese representing her grand champion Jersey. Supporters included Emmon Schmucker Coldwell Realty, Indiana Transport, Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Bartel and Co., Mike Stark, Ed Sommers, Rosewood/Steve Chrisman and Kim Myers, Interra Credit Union, Maurie and Dawn Kline, Oneeda Farm, Gratefull Acres and Inivashion Seed.
Cameron Kline exhibited the reserve champion Jersey but did not sell any cheese.
Emily Schrock of Goshen showed the grand champion Ayrshire, selling cheese for $1,000 to Ayrlyn Ayrshires, Interra Credit Union, Cutting Edge Machine and Tool, Dr. Weldy Associates, Steve and Barb Christophel, Richmond's Feed Service, Robert Newcomer family, Don Weldy, Jan Schrock, and Lester and LaVeda Bontrager.
Brenden Blosser, of Goshen, earned $1,000 for cheese from his reserve champion Ayrshire. Buyers included Jet Technologies Inc., Marc and Angie Blosser and Tom Naquin Chevrolet.
In the Brown Swiss show, Noah Nisen brought the grand champion but did not sell any cheese. Wesley Rush of Nappanee sold cheese from the reserve champion for $2,100 to Dan and Kathy Seltenright, Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Interra Credit Union, DeLaval Dairy Services, Clinton Center Feed, Wakarusa Vet Service, Dr. Keller, Casey's Erosion and Seed Solution, and ADM.
Oliver Nisen had the top entry in the Milking Shorthorn show but did not participate in the auction. Dustin Kemp showed the reserve champion and sold for a record $1,300 to MMPA, Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Edd's Supply, ADM, Clinton Center Feed, Shipshewana Auction, Jay Nihart, Maurie Kline family, Darren Kemp and Dr. Mark James.
In the goat auction, Isaac Bontrager of Millersburg exhibited the grand champion meat wether and received $2,365 from Joan Yoder (in memory of Mel Yoder), Mike and Brenda Yoder, Pam Templeton, Millersburg/Clinton Twp. 4-H Boosters, Millersburg Lumber, Shipshewana Auction, Interra Credit Union, Mike's Automotive, Pete and Tina Carpenter, Greg and Lisa Kitson, Marlys Prough, Wellington and Weddell Eye Care, Dr. Donald Ebersole, Norm and Lori Bontrager, Rain Guard Seamless Guttering, Lonnie and Michelle Bontrager, Allpro Gas, Agronomic Solutions LLC, Andy and Cheryl Gall, Anonymous, Myron and Amanda Miller.
The reserve champion meat wether, shown by Cade Gall of Syracuse, brought $1,865. The support group included the Andy Gall family, Turtle Top and Associates, Dana J's Deli, Doug and Ryan Thwaits, Grandpa Tom, Whiteshire Hamroc, Alex and Whitney Bairle, North Central Co-op, Steve Shively family, Allpro Gas, Dowty Farms, Tuckhill Farms/Tim and Carman Clark, Elkhart County Pork Producers, Yoder Farm Service, GBG Acres, Marty and Deb Gall, Goshen Businessmen, Abigail and Austin Gall, Aaron and Amanda Gall, and Rick Burger family.
Caleb Miller, also of Millersburg, sold the grand champion dairy wether for $2,365. Supporters included Joan Yoder, Tim Hamm, Goshen Chiropractor Center, Millersburg/Clinton Twp. 4-H Boosters, Millersburg Animal Clinic, Reliance Insurance Agency/Jeff Blue, Platinum Hair Design/Melissa Jackson, Turtle Top and Associates, Millersburg Feeds, Robert Weed Plywood, Crane Composites, Brian and Jill Miller, Mike and Brenda Yoder, Azdel, ReMax Results/Steve Miller and Homestyle Butchering.
The reserve champion dairy wether did not sell.
In rabbits, Kristen Metzler of New Paris sold the grand champion meat pen for a record $1,250. Buyers included Michiana Insurance, Lance Mestach, Great Grandpa and Grandma Metzler, Jeff Kitson family, Lynn Loucks family, Allpro Gas, Interra Credit Union, Joe's Gyros, Martin's Custom Butchering, Jeff Fervida, Barney's 4 x 4, Kevin Kezar family, Mike Pluimer family, Hoover Lumber and Coal, Hoover Feed, Sorg Dodge, Nelson's, Matt Morehouse family, Aunt Heidi and Kylor, Dyksen and Son Builders, Brent and Tonda Carrick, Grandpa and Grandma Metzler, Elkhart County Pork Producers and Headsight.
The reserve champion rabbit meat pen was shown by Brenna White of Goshen. She received $600 from Hartford Glass Co. of Mishawaka.
In poultry, Grace Sigsbee of Bristol brought the grand champion commercial exhibit, which was also the champion broiler pen. She earned $1,025 from Dominique Sigsbee and Sue Frantz, Dr. Robert Abel, Mellie Sigsbee, Zach and Jessica Whickcar, Greg and Lauren Bailey, Donald and Laura Sigsbee, Hoover's Feed Service, Jesse and Jill Garris, and Bill Evan's Insurance.
Aaron Hilty of Nappanee sold the reserve champion commercial poultry exhibit and champion roaster pen for $650 to ReMax Realtors/Kendrea Hilty, Lewis and Vi Haines, Kindig and Sloat, Jeff and Doris Biller, HandC Repairables, and Shawn and Sharon Bailey.
The reserve champion best of show commercial and champion duck was exhibited by Alec Calkins of Elkhart. He earned $250 from Doug Schrock.
Doug Schrock also purchased the champion goose, paying $450 to Julian Schroeder of Goshen.
Jaidyn Rhodes of Millersburg earned $300 from the sale of her champion tom turkey. Darryl Riegsecker of ReMax Realty was the buyer.
Jack Rhodes, also of Millersburg, sold the champion hen turkey for $250 to Forest River.
Sale subtotals are: 118 beef steers, $338,168.50; 255 barrows, $305,113.18; 179 dairy feeder calves, $207,652.60; 149 lambs, $118,296; 118 goats (record), $92,625 (record); 165 poultry pens, $54,600 (record); 90 rabbits, $23,285; and 8 cheese baskets, $13,750.
Support Groups
• Friends and Family of Mya Lorenz—Yoder's Meats, Hahn Auctioneers, Geiger CPA, Mishler's Packing, Monteith Tire, Tom Farm, Ray and Missy Gerber, Martin's Custom Butchering and Retail, Land O'Lakes Purina, Hoover Lumber and Coal Co., Jeff Beer family, Chris and Kim DeVine, Steve and Jeannine, George, R. Yoder Construction Inc., Chandler Gillam, Mike Webb family, Team Construction Co., Ashlee Bish, Brian and Lisa Miller, Bud and Vickie Etsinger, Chris Erb family, Shipshewana Auction, LG Seeds Crop Tech Consulting, A.J. Construction and Roofing, Progression Ag LLC, Turtle Top and Associates, Lincolnway East BP Mart, Trent Hostetler Agent IFBI, First State Bank, Milford Animal Clinic, Karen and Jensen Vet, Brian and Melinda Inniger, Brooks Cartwright, RS Pest, The Farmer's Exchange, New Paris Telephone Inc., Steven and Sharon Edwards family, Ben and JoAnn Neff, Hoppers Pike Street Grille, Richmond's Feed Service, Jim and Kim Bitting, Dennis Sharkey, Bontrager Pools Inc., Cosentino and Christofeno, Mike Morehouse, 5 and 20 Country Kitchen, Rigsby Custom Cabinets, Jason, Brett and Miles Nine, Kritzman Show Cattle, Lar-Lee Farms, Millmark Enterprises, J.M. Quality Construction, Shipshewana Homes, Archbold Equipment, Kirkdorffer Trucking Inc., Chandler Gillam, Jeff and Amy Beer family, ADT Farm/Gary Kauffman family, Monte Flowers family, TruHorizons, Assurance Property Management, Silveus Insurance Group, Allpro Gas Inc., Marty and Denise Long, Eric, Chris, Dustin, Westin and Carsin, J and M Farms, Edward Jones Investments Bontrager, Michiana Agra, Marlys Prough, Curt and Shelley Flickinger, Rod's Trademark Remodeling Inc., Slabaugh Farms LLC, Matt and Lanette Kritzman, Elkhart County Pork Producers, Interra Credit Union, Andy Gall family, Doug Schrock, Kun Medical Clinic, Doug and Ryan Thwaits, New Paris/Benton 4-H Boosters, John and Brenda Gawthrop family.
• Miles Nine Support Group—Home Run Country, Warsaw Buick, GMC, Chrysler, ACE Builders, John Beck Edward Jones, Terry and Jessie Smeltzer, Nelson Farms, Berger Auctioneering, Mark and Gayla Berger family, Dowty Farms, Hoffman Cattle Co., Grandma Mary Noretto, Grandpa Jerry Holland, Bellman Oil, New Attitudes, John and Brenda Gawthrop family, Pacemaker Buildings, Ryan and Pam VanderWey, Pleasant Ridge Farms, Marissa and Mya Lorenz, Brent and Shanda Branneman, Ryan Mishler, TruHorizons, Knepp Sand and Stone, Monte Flowers family, Jill and Brandi Henderson, the Beer family and the Pluimer family.
• Friends and Family of Brandi Henderson—Gary and Ernestine Yoder, Martin's Supermarket-Nappanee, Mike Pluimer family, Kenzington and Harper Howard, Brayden and Rhett VanderWey, Brad and Taylor Howard, Drew Anderson, Mishler Family Genetics, Thompson Lengacher Yoder Funeral Home, Jane and Keith Hathaway and Amiyah Syckes, Wakarusa Nutritional Services, Richmond Feed, Dave and Rhonda Thwaits, Derek Thwaits, Ronnie and Carol George, Jeff Haab family, Mid America Shows, Jason, Britt and Miles Nine, Mark and Carla Rayburn family, Phil Hahn and Associates, Steve and Jeannine George, Tina and Brian Roe, Wakarusa Sawmill, Millmark-Darin Miller, Kritzman Show Cattle, Barneys 4 x 4, Clark Farm Aggregates, ADM, VanderWey and Sons Masonry, Chandler Gillam, Andy and Cheryl Gall, Hartman Family Show Pigs, Jeff and Amy Beer family, TruHorizon, Ben Etsinger, Scott Carrico family, Agronomic Solutions, Tory, Ashley, Brayden and Rhett VanderWey, White Veterinary Hospital, Uncle Todd and Aunt Kelly Ropp, Uncle Ryan and Aunt Pam VanderWey, Tony and Dena Shafer, Dr. Wanda and Olivia Schmeltz, Elkhart County Gravel, Chris George Family, Phil Trippel family, Yoder Carpets, Monteith Tire, Variety Attractions, Cosentino and Christofeno, Turtle Top and Associates, David and Sandy Cushwa, Glen's Tire, Allpro Gas, ADT Farm/Gary Kauffman and Progression Ag LLC.
• Friends and Family of Gavin Erb—Mark Bontrager family, Uncle Jon Erb, Grandpa Lonnie and Grandma Linda, Great Grandpa and Grandma Rink, Dale and Sherry Showalter, Millersburg Animal Clinic, Ivy Lane Farm, Jeremy and Maggie Miller, Farmers State Bank, Alex and Whitney Baierle, Homestyle Butchering, Agronomics Consulting LLC, Kritzman Show Cattle, Shipshewana Auction, Lippert Components, Westbrook Farms, Indiana Transport, Doug and Ryan Thwaits, Resler Feeder Hogs, Tom and Shayne Coy, Dave Neff, Jerry Zahner, Nicole, Drew, Brock and Ryne Flickinger, Millersburg/Clinton Twp. 4-H Boosters, Elkhart County Pork Producers, Millersburg Lumber, Matt and Lanette Kritzman, Kris Erb, Grandpa Bob and Grandma Bean, Morehouse Grain and Lime, Uncle Jesse and Aunt Jill Garris, Aunt Cassie, Dale and Mary Holderman, Bobbi and Scot Croner, Turtle Top and Associates, Billy and Krista Horn, Jon Lechlitner, Stephanie Debolt Photography, Jeff and Amy Beer, Aunt Cyndie Stringfellow, Uncle Kim and Aunt Deb, Interra Credit Union, Greg Miller, Brookview Farms, Uncle Kyle and Aunt Lauren, First State Bank, Helena Chemical, Gary and Denise Mast, Michiana Agra, Trent Hostetler, Sam Burtsfield, Jan and Jean Burtsfield, TruHorizons, Tim and Greta Burtsfield, Gary Kauffman family, LG Seeds/Crop Tech, Matt and Soni Morehouse, Rick and Jill Erb family, Larry's Upholstery, Showalter Farms, ADM/Brad Mestach, Brian and Lisa Miller, Sheila Showalter/ReMax/Results, Jim and Kim Bitting, Ralph and Melba Lutes, Butch and Lori Brew, Brad and Becca Showalter, Madaline and Morgan Gawthrop, Mike Rink, Archbold Equipment, Marty and Denise Long, Juston and Renea Erb, Jim and Cheryl Erb, and Millmark.
• Friends and Family of Caroline Mullet—RTN Corp., Indiana Transport, Springview Excavating, Market St. Auto, PWI, Persing Tire, Hoosier Interior Door, Vision Building of Michiana LLC, His and Herr's Delivery, Hoover Feed, Quality Window and Door, Fervida Financial Strategies LLC, Graber's Flooring Studio, Anzie's Electric Inc., RPM Supply, John's Drywall, Glenn's Tire, Hoosier Hardwood and Floors/Ideal Coatings, Mid-City Supply, Hartman Rentals LLC, Design Studio, Kemp Electric, Mary L. Dale Realtor/Coldwell Banker, R Yoder Construction, Heath Fervida PC, Jeff and Amy Beer family, Tim and Zach Klotz, ADM, Max and Deb Schmucker, J.W. Service, Kent's Excavating.
• Family and Friends of Emerson Mast—Market Street Auto, Junior Mast, Aaron and Michelle Mast, Larry and Rose Mullet, Gary and Jan Randolph, Jerry and Jan Randolph, John and Judy Klotz, Dr. Wade Hammond, Roger and Dawn Lehman, Chad Bailey/Jennings Insurance Agency, Jeff and Brandi Kitson family, Jeff Krusenklaus, Rod and Meribeth Stump, Brent Bontrager Edward Jones, Mark and Rhonda Stump, Hoover Feed, Clark and Kay Stump, Tim Stutsman family, Max and Deb Schmucker.