Bradshaw Lamb Brings $190 per Pound
Published: Friday, July 11, 2025
Lucas Bradshaw knew it was fair week.
A patient at a rehabilitation hospital in Grand Rapids, the eighth-year 4-H'er from New Carlisle and Exceptional 4-H'er finalist is recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered in a May 8 accident while traveling with the New Prairie baseball team. He was in a coma for weeks but is now alert and showing signs of improvement. Though he is very weak, he can communicate through nonverbal signals.
Prior to the accident, Lucas was preparing to show several animals at this year's fair, including a beef steer, hog, lamb and goat. After the accident, his brother, Caleb, took care of the livestock. Members of the Haseley family also pitched in to feed and water Lucas' animals and prep them for show. They also organized a buyer group for one of Lucas' lambs.
Last Friday, while attending the St. Joseph County 4-H auction in South Bend, Lucas' father, Brad, was asked the following question: "Does he know it's fair week?"
"He does," Brad said. "And I think he's very agitated he's not here."
Lucas was on the minds of many folks attending the annual 4-H auction. Dozens wore t-shirts with the mottos "Lift Up Lucas" and "Bradshaw Strong." However, the big highlight arrived during the sheep auction. A support group was organized to purchase Lucas' 129-pound champion Southdown lamb.
According to Erin Haseley, there were over 150 families who contributed to the buyer group. She said her daughter, Ella, and Lucas are good friends. Brad and his wife Kelley are also leaders of the 4-H swine club. Erin said the Bradshaws are humble people who give to others without asking for anything in return.
Prior to the sale, the announcer read a statement from the Bradshaw family giving an update on Lucas' condition.
"He is undergoing physical and occupational therapy to rebuild his strength," the statement read. "Doctors and nurses there say he is more aware this week and deemed him out of the coma state. Although he is not (able to talk), at this time the staff is pleased with his progress and there is growing hope for continued improvement. The Bradshaw and Millar families would like to give sincere thanks to the community and, most importantly, the 4-H and baseball families for their support throughout this nightmare."
Once the sale commenced, the bidding quickly shot up, sailing past $150 per pound and eventually settling at $190 per pound. The crowd applauded as the gavel fell. The final price equated to $24,510. All the money will go to the Bradshaw family.
After the sale, Brad and his wife Kelley were very appreciative of the support.
"I just want to thank the whole community," Brad said. "I feel like we're all in this together. What we're going through is terrible, but this whole community has been amazing."
He added, "We're just waiting for Luke to come back home."
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