Elkhart 4-H Sale Climbs to $2 Million
Published: Friday, August 1, 2025
Elkhart County 4-H exhibitors collected a big pile of cash during last Friday's 4-H livestock auction in Goshen. With receipts totaling $2,005,441.14, the auction was nearly a half-million dollars higher than the previous record, set in 2024. Last year's 4-H sale generated $1,515,104.87.
Two grand champion exhibitors, Wyatt Brown and Ben Hartzell, sold their respective market animals for record prices.
Brown, of Nappanee, sold the grand champion beef steer for $28.20 per pound ($39,339) to a support group (see list at end of story). The Chianina steer weighed 1,395 pounds.
Hartzell, a retiring 4-H'er from Roanoke, parted with his 137-pound grand champion market lamb for $120 per pound ($16,440). A support group (see list) had the high bid.
After their respective sales, both Brown and Hartzell said they had no idea the bidding would go as high as it did for their animals. They thanked the buyers for their extreme generosity. Hartzell plans to attend Purdue University this fall to study veterinary science. Brown, a fourth-year 4-H'er, attributed his success to hard work and keeping the steer as comfortable as possible.
With 118 steers and a record $682,951.34 in receipts, the beef auction led the way in total funds raised.
Following Brown into the ring was Brennan Mattern and his reserve champion steer. The Bremen youth earned $12.50 per pound ($15,937.50) for his 1,275-pound Maine-Anjou. As with most of the record setters, a support group (see list) was involved in the purchase.
In the swine sale, 187 barrows were sold for a record $434,202.10.
Ellianne Neff of Goshen earned an impressive $100 per pound ($23,300) for her grand champion barrow. The crossbred hog weighed 233 pounds and was sold to a support group (see list). The record remains $130 per pound, set in 2022.
The reserve champion barrow was exhibited by Avery Hess of Goshen. She sold her 267-pound crossbred for $33.60 per pound ($8,971.20) to supporters (see list).
In the sheep auction, 84 lambs brought a record $147,398. The second lamb entering the ring was the 126-pound reserve champion led by Jocelyn Ernsberger of Goshen. She received a bid of $56 per pound ($7,056) from friends and family of Josie Ernsberger, Ferman and Mary Miller, KC Squared Farms, Maks Plastics, Marlys Prough, Middlebury Animal Clinic, Miller Rentals, R Landscaping LLC, Revelation Club Lambs, Shipshewana Auction, Terry and Melody Ernsberger, TMI Sprinklers, Veterinary and Poultry Supply, and Wana Feed Service.
Janissa Lehman of Topeka was next with the reserve champion pen of two lambs. She sold one half of the pen for a record $48 per pound ($6,096) to Agronomic Solutions LLC, Farm Credit, friends of Janissa Lehman, Interra Credit Union, Matt and Dawn Ernsberger, Middlebury Animal Clinic, Miller Poultry, Terry and Melody Ernsberger, and Wana Feed Service. The lamb weighed 127 pounds.
Natalia Baierle of Albion exhibited the grand champion pen of lambs but did not sell them. She plans to show the lambs at the state fair.
The dairy feeder calf auction also saw a record total of $312,712.70 from 112 lots. Trey Caffee of Middlebury led the way with his 544-pound grand champion. The calf sold for $25 per pound ($13,600) to supporters (see list).
Navaeh Miller of Millersburg auctioned off her reserve champion dairy feeder calf for $16 per pound ($8,544) to a buyer group (see list).
This year's auction featured a record 54 lots, which generated a record $77,720. Oliver Nisen, a 10-year 4-H'er from Leesburg, sold a cheese basket representing his grand champion Brown Swiss for a record $8,250. His buyers were: ADM/Clinton Center Feed, Clinton Center Feed, Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Dan and Kathy Seltenright, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Zell, friends and family of Oliver Nisen, Kaeb Sales Inc., Kirkdorffer Milk Transport LLC, Lake City Bank, MyBrook Farm, Nisen family, Post family, Robby and Amanda Kelly, Ot and Deb Schrock, Ryan and Laura Yoder, Schoefernacker family, Susan and Mark Thomas, and Topeka New Holland.
Another 10-year member, Bryce Weaver of Goshen, sold a cheese basket from his grand champion Guernsey for a record $4,000. His buyers were: Becks Hybrids, Bill Evans Insurance Inc., Cornerstone Ag Management, Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Dennis and Mary Paulus, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Zell, Dr. G.W. and Shari Snider, friends and family of Bryce Weaver, Heritage Parke Title, Hoover Feed Service, Hoover Lumber and Coal Co., Interra Credit Union, Nisen family, Pleasant Ridge Farm, Topeka New Holland, Wakarusa Nutritional Service, and Yellow Creek Gravel.
Isaac Horswill of Middlebury exhibited the grand champion Jersey. He sold a cheese basket for $2,900 to the following supporters: ADM/Clinton Center Feed, Bobby and Kristal Cutter, Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Irrigation Solutions Lagrange, Josh and Jenny Gordon, Mid River Farms LLC, Nisen family, Pioneer Hi-Bred–Nappanee, Post family, Susan and Mark Thomas, Tyler and Krista Runkle family,
In the goat auction, 127 lots fetched a record $166,705. Buyers (see list) paid $10,200 for the grand champion meat goat exhibited by Charlie Lechlitner of Nappanee.
Austin Gall of New Paris was next with the reserve champion meat goat. He received $3,800 from Alexandre and Whitney Baierle family, Andy Gall family, Cliff and Rose Boyer, Collins Lawn Maintenance, Dowty Farms, Dustin and Diane Lockwood, Ella and Trey Branneman, Fairland Farm/Greg and Dawn Birr, friends and family of Austin Gall, Hummel Group Inc., Lechlitner Kids, Lonnie and Michelle Bontrager, Marlys Prough, Marty and Deb Gall, Middlebury Animal Clinic, Morehouse Grain Farms, Rain Guard Seamless Guttering Inc., Randi and Anita Yoder, and Turtle Top and Associates.
For the price of $6,000, John Bujalski of Nappanee sold his grand champion dairy market wether. His group of supporters included: Advanced Excavating, Cory White, Curtis Christophel, Darryl Riegsecker–Re/Max Results, Flashman family, friends and family of John Bujalski, Glen's Tire, Goshen Stamping, Interra Credit Union, J&N Stone, Lippert Components Inc., Martin Brothers Contracting, Nappanee Family Eye Care, Obeco Inc., R Yoder Construction, Randy and Ashley Lehman, Red Barn Real Estate Group, Rocky Rigsby/Rigsby Auctions, Topping Dental Group and Troy Wuthrich family.
Kasen Yoder of Shipshewana sold the reserve champion dairy wether for $1,700 to Cedar Creek, Dale and Shirley Riegsecker, friends and family of Kasen Yoder, MA Farms, Shipshewana Auction, Turtle Top and Associates, and Wana Feed Service.
With 221 pens selling, the poultry auction netted a record $115,440. Claire Gall of Syracuse exhibited a Pekin duck that was judged as the grand champion commercial best of show. During the auction, she received $3,500 from Aaron and Amanda Gall, Abigail and Austin Gall, Andy Gall family, Dana Gall family, Doug and Nancy Thwaits, Dustin and Diane Lockwood, First State Bank, Hummel Group Inc., Interra Credit Union, Joe and Lavonne Warstler, Kritzman Show Cattle, Maple Leaf Farms, Monteith Tire, New Paris/Benton Twp. Boosters, Nuway Construction, and Turtle Top and Associates.
The commercial best of show reserve champion, a turkey, was exhibited by John Gall of Milford. He earned $2,250 from Aaron and Amanda Gall, Abigail and Austin Gall, Andy Gall family, Brian and Renee Campbell, Dustin and Diane Lockwood, Hummel Group Inc., Interra Credit Union, Miller Brothers Builders, and Turtle Top and Associates.
Sawyer Yoder of New Paris received $2,000 for his grand champion meat class Cornish cross roaster. The high bid came from A J Yoder Transport, Advanced Solar, Beer and Slabaugh, Casey's Erosion, Elkhart County Gravel Inc., friends and family of Sawyer Yoder, Hoover Feed Service, Interra Credit Union, Phil Hahn and Associates, Randy Yoder, Stan and Sally Cripe, and Turtle Top and Associates.
Claire Gall returned to the ring to sell her reserve champion meat class broilers. Lippert Components Inc. paid her $200.
In rabbits, 118 pens netted a total of $68,312. Nellie Martin of Elkhart sold the grand champion 6-class meat pen for a record $3,550 to: Abel Med, ANC LLC, Cory White, Councilman Adam Bujalski, Doyle and Ann Stump, Dutch Cleaning, friends and family of Nellie, Heckaman Insurance, Henschen Oil Inc., Heritage Parke Title, Joe and Karen Stichter, Moyer Electric, Nate Stemm family, Nu-Mill, Red Barn Real Estate Group, RKE Enterprise, Seth and Jillian Dowsma, Topping Dental Group, and Tom Perry.
Kristen Metzler, a 10-year 4-H'er from New Paris, sold the reserve champion 6-class meat pen for $600 to Tom and Janice Metzler.
Support Groups
• Wyatt Brown: 33 Rentals LLC, A Plus Plumbing Solutions, Advanced Excavating, Alan and Janice Davidhizar, Andy and Billie Roeder family, Andy Gall family, Austin and April Sanders, Beer Livestock, Ben Nehls, Bill Evans Insurance Inc., Blosser family, Brad Troyer family, Brian and Renee Campbell, Brian Clayton, Brinkley RV, Burnips Equipment 2, C.L.G. Forever, Carl and Jo Cook, Chris George family, Clinton Center Feed, Connie Laudeman, Crowe Forest Management, Culpy's Garage, Dairy Veterinary Management Services, Dale and Grace Ramer, Dan and Kayla Schmucker, Dave and Cathy Fox, Dave and Rhonda Thwaits, Deer Grove Farms, Dental Solutions, Dimension Hardwood and Veneer Inc., Divine Sharpening, Doug and Jeannine Schrock, Dr. Craig and Catherine Yoder, Dr. Paul W. Webb DVM, Dustin and Mindi Mattern, Eby Family, Support Group, Ella and Trey Branneman, Elm Processing, Farm Credit, First Federal Savings Bank, Flickinger Farms, friends and family of Danae Goshert, friends of Ty, Colin and Maggie Park, Forest River, G and C Reed Farms, Garrett and Chrissie Loucks, Gary and Stephanie Davis, Glens Tire, Goshen Businessmen, Grandpa and Grandma Brown, Heather and Ryan O'Connor, Hess Family Farms, Hochstetler Grain Equipment, Hoover Feed Service, Integra Ag, Interra Credit Union, J&N Stone, Jason, Britt and Miles Nine, Jeff and Brandi Kitson family, Jeff Hartzell family, Jeff Hertsel, Jeremy Hartzell family, Jill and Brandi Henderson, Jody and Tara Lengacher, Joe and Cheryl Caffee family, Joe's Gyros, John and Traca Beck, Jon and Tricia Foster, Judy Briganti, Ken Metzler, Kevin and Mindy Park, Kevin Lee Farms, Keystone Cooperative, Klein and Son Services LLC, Kritzman Show Cattle, Kyle Bontrager, Lake City Bank, Land and Boundary, Larry and Kay Schrock, Laser Construction, Linda Switala, Lydell and Karmen Troyer, Lynn and Carol Loucks, Mac and Deb McNally, Maks Plastics, Martin's Custom Butchering and Retail Meats, Mary Dale/Coldwell Banker, Matt and Jamie Moyer, Max and Deb Schmucker, Melissa White, Mike and Sarah Hertsel family, Mike Lee, Millmark Enterprises, Monte and Charlene Flowers family, Napa Auto Parts–Nappanee, New Paris Telephone Inc., Nick and Stephanie Brown, Obeco Inc., Pete and Deb Garber, Phil Hahn and Associates, Pioneer Hi-Bred–Nappanee, Plevna Equipment Co., Red Barn Real Estate Group, Rick Renze, Ropp Show Lams, Ryan and Pam Vander Wey, S&S Automotive, Schwartz Electric Inc., Seed Genetics Group Direct, Silveus Insurance Group, Silveus Insurance Group–Nappanee, Stan and Sally Cripe, Steinkraus Forest Management, Steve and Jeannine George, Steve and Deb Shively, Stumptown Cattle Co., Sunny Fund N.A. Inc., Sunrise Orchards/Kerchers, The Kingwood Group Inc., Tim and Jill Stutsman, Tim Golden family, Tim Klotz, Tom and Janice Metzler, Tom and Nancy Roeder, Tom Farms, Topping Dental Group, Troy and Eric Davidhizar family, Turtle Top and Associates, V&B Sheets Farms, Wait Services LLC, Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, Wakarusa Sawmill Inc., Wallace Electric, Wayne and Charlene Anglemyer, Yoder's Meat and Cheese Co., Zac and Brittney Lechlitner.
• Ben Hartzell: Abigail and Austin Gall, Alexandre and Whitney Baierle family, Andy and Billie Roeder family, Bearcat Anodizing, Charlie and Kristin Roeder, Doug and Nancy Thwaits, Egts Medical LLC, ERS, friends and family of Ben Hartzell, Jeremy Hartzell family, Jim Hartzell family, Kritzman Show Cattle, Larry and Kay Schrock, Mishler Club Lambs, Nelsons, Pro Lawn Seeding, R Landscaping LLC, Ryan and Amy Thwaits, Shipshewana Auction, Stoney Creek Veterinary, Tim and Missy Risser family, Todd and Missy Cleveland, Tom Kelley Auto Group, Travis and Adrienne Platt.
• Brennan Mattern: Andy and Billie Roeder family, Austin and Kortney Clark family, Beer and Slabaugh, Bill and Eve Mock, Brad and Laura Rhoade, Bud and Vickie Etsinger, Buzz Phelps/BMJ Farms, Charlie and Kristin Roeder, Classie Lassie, Connie Laudeman, Dennis and Amy Badskey, Derek and Taylor Thwaits, Doug and Jeannine Schrock, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Zell, Elkhart County Gravel Inc., Garrett and Keri Eby, Heritage Parke Title, Hometown Hog Feed, Hoover Feed Service, Hudson Badskey and Rachel Atkins, Impact Marketing Group, Interra Credit Union, Jason, Britt and Miles Nine, Jeff and Brandi Kitson Family, Jeff Hertsel, Joel and Kendra Laidig, Lavon Bender, Lippert Components Inc., Martins Custom Butchering and Retail Meats, Mary Dale/Coldwell Banker, Matt and Jamie Moyer family, Meatball Factory LLC, Melissa White, Mid-America Shows, Monteith Tire, Nelsons, New Paris Telephone Inc., Pam and Larry Miller, Phil Hahn and Associates, R Yoder Construction, Schwartz Electric Inc., Shipshewana Hardwoods, State Farm Insurance, Stutzman Landscaping, Supporters of Brennan Mattern, Terry and Donna Martin, The Kingwood Group Inc., Thompson-Lengacher-Yoder Funeral Homes, Tish McMillan, Turtle Top and Associates, Willy and Jamie Will, Yoder's Meat and Cheese Co., Zac and Brittney Lechlitner, Zimmerman Construction.
• Ellianne Neff: Agtek Solutions, Andrew and Sam Packer, Andy and Billie Roeder family, Andy Gall family, Brett and Kerri Gessinger, Brett Whitehead family, Brian Clayton, Burt Electric, Butch and Lori Brew, Chandler and Ashley Tenney, Charlie and Kristin Roeder, Crop Tech Inc./Jerold and Alesha Miller, Darryl Riegsecker–Re/Max Results, Dave and Luann Neff, Doug and Jeannine Schrock, Doug and Nancy Thwaits, Edd's Supplies Inc., ERS, Final Drive Genetics, friends and family of Ellianne Neff, Goshen Businessmen, Herr Custom Paint, Hometown Hog Feed, Hoppers Pike Street Grille, Interra Credit Union, Jeff Hartzell family, Jody and Megan Neer, John Steffensen, Jon and Angie Short, Kevin and Mindy Park, Kritzman Show Cattle, Larry and Kay Schrock, Larry's Upholstery Inc., Leatherman Supply, Maks Plastics, Mike and Annette Neff, Mike and Stacy Blosser, Nate and Jennie Goldenberg, Nelsons, Nick and Mollie Kieffer family, Northern Lakes Insurances, Pro Lawn Seeding, RPI Components Inc., Ryan and Sarah Elliott, Ryan and Amy Thwaits, Scott and Brooke Evans, Shipshewana Auction, Tim and Cathy Hoogenboom, Turtle Top and Associates, Twisted Roots Salon.
• Avery Hess: Agri Flite Services, Andy and Billie Roeder family, First Federal Savings Bank, friends of Avery Hess, Glen's Tire, Hometown Hog Feed, Interra Credit Union, Jason, Britt and Miles Nine, Jeff Hartzell family, Jill and Brandi Henderson, Jody and Tara Lengacher, Maks Plastics, Miles and Amanda Kritzman, Millmark Enterprises, Nelsons, Patrick Industries 1, R. Yoder Construction, Resler Show Pigs, Schwartz Electric Inc., Tereasa Hess and Brandon Laskowski family, Thompson-Lengacher-Yoder Funeral Homes, Turtle Top and Associates, Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce.
• Trey Caffee: Bedel Security, Beer Livestock, Brian Wuthrich, Farm Grown Flowers, First State Bank, Five Corners LLC, Grandpa and Grandma Caffee, Grandpa and Grandma Wass, Hoover Feed Service, Hummel Group Inc., J&N Stone, Jeff and Gretchen Lund, Joe and Cheryl Caffee family, K4 Architecture, KLT Realty, Kritzman Show Cattle, Lippert Components Inc., Lydell and Karmen Troyer, Mike Lee, Morehouse Grain Farms, Nuway Construction, Office Interiors Inc., Rain Guard Seamless Guttering Inc., Shipshewana Hardwoods, Spry Brands, The Kingwood Group Inc., Tim Klotz, TMI Sprinklers, Wellington and Weddell Eye Care, Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer and Buckingham.
• Nevaeh Miller: Alexandre and Whitney Baierle family, Fought Construction, friends and family of Nevaeh Miller, Hawkins Water Tech Inc., J&J Industrial Supply, Joel and Sarah Holsopple, Lake City Bank–Downtown Elkhart, Lonnie and Michelle Bontrager, MA Farms, Maks Plastics, Marty and Deb Gall, Mike and Jill Yoder, Millersburg Feed, Mor Custom, Patrick Industries 1, Rain Guard Seamless Guttering Inc., Re/Max–Steve Miller, RMH Insurance Group, Tony Truex.
• Charlie Lechlitner: Advanced Excavating, Andy and Billie Roeder family, Austin and April Sanders, Blake and Kelsey Taylor, Blosser family, Brad and Laura Rhoade, Brent and Hilary Laidig, Brian and Janelle Deatsman family, Brian Wuthrich, Bud and Vickie Etsinger, C.L.G. Forever, Caliber Consulting LLC, Charlie and Kristin Roeder, Connie Lechlitner, Curt and Shelley Flickinger, Deatsman Grain Farm, Dustin and Mindi Mattern, E. Newcomer and Son Jewelers, Fervida Farms, friends and family of Charlie Lechlitner, Irvan and Shirley Yoder, J&N Stone, Jason, Britt and Miles Nine, Jeff and Brandi Kitson family, Jeff Hartzell family, Jill and Brandi Henderson, Jim and Laurie Sumpter, Joe's Gyros, Kritzman Show Cattle, L.J. Wagner Home Interiors, Lechlitner Kids, Monte and Charlene Flowers family, Nana-Papa Lechlitner, Nick and Stephanie Brown, PWI, Quentin and Renee Overbeck, R Landscaping LLC, R. Yoder Construction, Randy and Andrea Cripe, Rick and Deb Mishler, Schmuckers L.P. Gas, Schwartz Electric Inc., Scot and Bobbi Croner family, Summit Financial Group, T&S Lechlitner, D&T Berger, B&M Baker, Thompson-Lengacher-Yoder Funeral Homes, Topping Dental Group, Trent Hostetler Agent IFBI, Trevor and Jessie Shields, Troy Wuthrich family.
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