Minne Goat Breaks Record in St. Joe
Published: Friday, July 17, 2026
A 10-year 4-H'er from Wakarusa was a double winner in last week's St. Joseph County (Ind.) 4-H Fair in South Bend. Brody Minne captured the purple banner in the Boer goat show and the reserve champion title in the born and bred beef show. Last Friday, he earned a combined $19,405 when he sold both during the 4-H auction.
Minne's grand champion Boer goat sold for a record $12,500 to a support group (see list at end of story). For his 1,381-pound steer, the son of Jason and Jody Minne earned $6,905 ($5 per pound). The buyers were Smith Ready Mix and C&E Excavating.
A 2026 graduate of NorthWood High School, Minne said he was "very grateful" for the support and credited his parents, brother and grandparents for helping him achieve success. His immediate plans are to work for a local farmer.
Last Friday's 4-H auction generated $672,117.64, with beef steers representing almost half, or $307,883, of the total. Receipts were significantly higher than last year's $541,729.50. This year's auction featured 485 livestock, 17 fewer than last year.
Another 10-year 4-H'er with a grand champion animal was Bremen's Breanne Freeman. She exhibited the grand champion Ayrshire and earned $5,500 from selling milk. The high bid came from the St. Joseph County Dairy Assn. and other buyers.
Freeman is currently taking classes to become a veterinary technician. Like Minne, she credited her family for supporting her in her 4-H journey. She is the daughter of Monty and Jennifer Freeman.
Lucas Bradshaw of New Carlisle made a triumphant return to the fair over a year after suffering a severe head injury in an auto accident. Bradshaw, flanked by fellow members of the New Prairie baseball team, rang the bell to officially open the 4-H auction.
In beef, Ella Scott of North Liberty sold her 1,375-pound grand champion lottery steer for $17 per pound ($23,675) to a support group (see list). Logan McClain, also of North Liberty, partnered with a support group on the sale of his reserve champion lottery steer weighing 1,166 pounds. The price was $3.45 per pound ($4,022.70).
Kari Futa of New Carlisle auctioned her grand champion born and bred steer to a support group (see list) for $7.57 per pound ($10,960). The steer weighed 1,448 pounds.
In dairy beef, Morgan Gill of North Liberty sold the grand champion for $9.33 per pound, earning $14,306 from Interra Credit Union and a support group. The steer weighed $1,534 pounds.
For the champion rate of gain steer, Miah Lichtenbarger of North Liberty received $2.15 per pound ($3,710.90) from Lichtenbarger Farms. The steer weighed 1,726 pounds. Miah also showed the reserve champion rate of gain steer, a 1,767-pounder that fetched $2.10 per pound ($3,710.70).
Leading the way in swine, Payton Bohnke of North Liberty sold the 277-pound grand champion barrow for $18.50 per pound ($5,124.50) to Bohnke Concrete Designs. The reserve champion barrow was exhibited by Kamryn Chamness, a 10-year 4-H'er from Mishawaka. He sold his 308-pound crossbred for $9.49 per pound ($2,922) to Interra Credit Union, Hometown Hog Feed and a buyer's group.
In sheep, Isla Freehauf of Lakeville had a big payday with her 129-pound grand champion market lamb. A support group (see list) paid her $41 per pound ($5,289). In addition to showing the grand champion lamb, Freehauf also exhibited the grand champion ewe and was named senior showman and reserve overall in round robin showmanship.
Ella Haseley of Bremen was next with her 136-pound reserve champion market lamb. She received $40 per pound ($5,440) from a buyer group (see list).
The grand champion county-born market lamb was exhibited by Norah Holewczynski of New Carlisle. The 157-pounder brought $3.50 per pound ($549.50) from Laidig Systems Inc. Standing in the reserve champion spot was Wyatt Hahn of Wakarusa, who received $10 per pound ($1,170) for his 117-pound county-born lamb.
Lucas Wilson, a 10-year member from South Bend, exhibited the grand champion dairy market goat, which did not sell. He plans to show the goat at the Indiana State Fair. Josiah Weiss of North Liberty sold the reserve champion dairy market goat for $300 to the James Gerber family.
Also representing the goat project was Mishawaka's Stephen Knopp, who sold a basket of milk products. A buyer group led by his mother, Sarah, paid $1,600 for the basket.
In dairy cattle, other grand champions were exhibited by Leah Birk, North Liberty, Milking Shorthorn; Chase Klopfenstein, Nappanee, Holstein; and Devin Braun, North Liberty, Guernsey.
Birk sold Milking Shorthorn milk for $1,750 to a support group, Mike Birk Farms, Interra Credit Union and Burnips Equipment.
Klopfenstein sold Holstein milk for $1,500 to BHG Holsteins.
Braun sold Guernsey milk for $300 to the St. Joseph County Dairy Assn.
Makena Allen was a big winner in the poultry sale. She exhibited the grand champion turkey, grand champion roaster pair, reserve champion single roaster and reserve champion ducks.
She sold the turkey for $2,000, the roaster pair for $500, the single roaster for $400 and the ducks for $500. Her father, Josh Allen, had the high bid on all her sales.
Anastazia Pedraza of Walkerton sold the grand champion single broiler for $300 to Josh Allen. Athena Wakeman of North Liberty received $200 from Denis Kelly for her reserve champion broiler.
Wakeman also sold the grand champion broiler pair, which fetched $800 from Rita Beaty of Coldwell Banker. Olivia Tomaw of South Bend sold the reserve champion broilers for $225 to St. Joseph County Farm Bureau Inc. and Tomaw Acres Buyers Group.
The grand champion single roaster was exhibited by Caleb Jasinski of New Carlisle. He received $900 from a buyer's group.
Weiss exhibited three grand champions in the poultry show, the Pekin duck, Pekin pair and pair of turkeys. He sold the duck for $200 to Greg and Mindy Mathia, the Pekin ducks for $175 to Lodge 266 in North Liberty and the turkeys for $275 to Allsop Apiaries.
Weiss also sold the reserve champion single turkey for $225 to Knowlton family.
Anna Guard of North Liberty auctioned her grand champion egg basket for $175 to the Bragg family. Silas Langhofer of New Carlisle sold the reserve champion egg basket for $100 to Greg and Mindy Mathia.
In rabbits, Margaret and Olivia Flora of South Bend showed the top meat pens. Margaret, the grand champion exhibitor, earned $600 from the Knowlton family, River Valley Rabbit Club and MC Rabbitry, while Olivia, the reserve champion exhibitor, raked in $300 from the Knowlton family.
The sisters returned with their champion fryers. Margaret received $125 for the grand champion from the Kristin Schalliol family, while Olivia earned the same price for the reserve champion from Shirley Campbell.
Weiss exhibited the grand champion roaster, earning $225 from Greg and Mindy Mathia.
Subtotals, by species, are: 65 beef steers, $307,883.65; 176 hogs, $135,691.74; 25 dairy beef steers, $99,071; 75 sheep, $61,970; 30 goats, $26,701.25; 89 poultry pens, $26,575; four milk sales, $9,050; 17 rabbit pens, $3,100; one goat milk basket, $1,600; and three egg baskets, $475.
Support Groups
Brody Minne (grand champion Boer goat)—Jan and Steve Gill, J&T Laidig Farms, Brandon Laidig family, Doug and Glenda Boocher, Larry Beehler, Bob and Wendy Roeder, Rebekah Roberts, Megan Welihan, Drew Dutoi, Trucks R Us/Casey Burger family, Justin Reed family, Dr. Wanda Schmeltz DVM, Brandi Henderson, D&M Propane, Wyatt Merchants, Doug and Julie Moore, Dan Pogue family, Dr. Susan Coquyt DDS, Jim's Pool Service, Tyler Schmeltz, Tom Lizzi, Breanne Freeman family, Brian, Nola and Brynlee Penrose, Bill Gallagher family, Stuart Beehler, Hometown Showfeeds, Steve Wilson/State Farm Insurance, Scott Marker family, Alan and Sherry Beehler, Dave and Rachel Dutoi, Adam Schmeltz, Bryce, Bridgette and Bailey Futa, Andy Laidig family, Michele Litteral family, DJ Reed Farms, Susan Zeiger, Susan and Marty Lake, Bryan Mattison family, Smith Ready Mix Inc., C&E Excavating
Ella Scott—Brad and Makayla Johnson, Papa and Nana, Mike and Gina Shilts, Jordan and Kelsey Jasinski, Blake and Paige Johnson, Klayton and Jacquelyn Jasinski family, Ben and Rachel Johnson, Sunset Farms Inc., Mike's Ceramic Tile, Chestnut Corner Salon, Spin City, Prairie's Edge Farming Co., Oak Basin Dairy, Uncle Mick and Aunt Julie Jasinski, Greg and Shawnie Sebasty, Mark Jasinski, Juliet Legault, K&L Tractor Sales Inc., Haynow, Risner Trucking LLC, Baltes Farms, Tim and Sam Ekovich, Reese and Austyn Mckee, Dan and Pam Ribordy, Keystone Cooperative, Andy and Kelley Crowl, Compress Air, Tyler and Hannah Crowl, Mooovin Express, Pointon Farms Trucking LLC, LT Custom Ag, Wayne Brewer/Kimball Midwest, Jeff Peterson/Pioneer Seed, Todd Matthys/Ginger Valley Farms, TB Services LLC, RLE Farms Inc., Aunt Pam and Uncle Jim, Uncle Tom and Aunt Kelli, Marty Mosson family, Uncle Bill and Aunt Susie, Sam Long, TK Repair LLC, Rick and Heather Douglas, Carson and Emily Barrickman, H&J Seed Solutions, 1st Source Bank, Drew and Caty Dutoi and kids, Whittler & Hester CPA Group, Don Orsund family, Silver Custom Ag, Jordan Smith/Indiana Farm Bureau, Farmhand Mike Youtube Videos, Eric Doms family, Bartz Boys, Jakabuwicz family, Wakarusa Nutritional Feed, Captain Fluffy, Craig and Julie Reed, Ames family, Bryan and Julie Mattison, Laidig family, Lakeville Lions, Brad Horvath family, Shaffner Tire, Crumstown Conservation, David and Julie Legault, Irrigation Solutions, Marilyn Legault and Legault uncles, Parklane Jewelry Stylist, Conklin's Custom Baits, Patriotic MOSE, Jeff and Kim Johnson, Ryan and Laura Watts family, Corey Jesswein, Tom Lizzi, Bradshaw family, Acme Paving & Excavation, Mark and Candice Scott family, Mike and Kimmie Scott, Meyer Manufacturing, Chrissy, Ferris and Jake Hamman, Ness family, Gill Family Farms, Justin and Kari Futa, George DeMeyer family, Dewey Dolph family, Marsh Stock Farm, Dr. Wanda Schmeltz, Jesswein Farms, Bartronics Inc., Pyramid Equipment, Marc and Kelly Mrozinski, Kemble family, Debbie and Emily Mrozinski
Logan McClain—Steve Moser and Shelly Penrose, Shelia and Mike Haluda, Kyle and Denise Jakubowicz, Mark and Lari Moser, Bartz boys, Jerry Reed Excavating, Ness family, Stephanie Nelson, Bradshaw family, Dewey Dolph, Grandma Helen, Gary and Tamara Bahrke, Bickel Brothers, Justin Reed family, Elton and Brenda Schafer, Hedington Trucking LLC, Linda and Joe Kleca, Hadlee, Chase and Grady Mattison, Jen and Roger Gilmer family, Tom and Kristen Lizzi, Carrico Angus, Maes Market, Gene's Towing & Repair, Dennis Worm Family Farms, Roger and Cyndy Keeling, Bob and Sherry Lichtenberger, Daymon and Michele Martin, Baylor and Lakelynn Martin, Pointon Farms Trucking LLC, Riffey Transport, CRK Farms, Bryce, Bridgette and Bailey Futa, Timm family, Annie and Robin Wood, H2O Cattle, Scott family, Minne family, Brian, Brynlee and Nola Penrose, Andy and Lindsay Laidig, Tyler and Jill Schmeltz, Kim and Larry Wilbur, J&J Moser, Marc and Kelly Mrozinski, Markin family, Ryan and Laura Watts, Trevor and Amy Prince
Bailey Futa—Mom and Justin, Jesswein Farms, Kenny and Sandy Kleine, Kleine Farms, Dad and Nishiu Futa, Paul and Kathy Futa, Luke and Stephanie Carter family, Grandma Annette Noel, Eric Doms family, Aaron and Erica Zell, Jordan and Erica Sherrill family, Seedpro Solutions/Channel Seed, Bartz Boys, Kevin and Laura Paprocki, David and Lisa Jesswein, Dale Jesswein, Grandpa and Grandma Houser, Dennis and Nancy Dolph, Greg and Kim Kneubuhler family, G&K Concepts, Corey and Katie Jesswein family, Haseley family, Kyle and Denise Jakubowicz family, Ryan and Laura Watts family, Greg and Mary Sue Violette, Jeff Peterson Farms and Pioneer Seed Sales, Farmers Mutual Insurance Co., Brad and Kelley Bradshaw family, Doug and Mary Anne Millar, Keystone, Ness Farms/Nathaniel and Whitney Ness family, Minne family, Greg and Shawnie Sebasty, Mark Jasinski family, Dewey Dolph family, Joe and Kris Jasinski family, Dane Clark, Justin and Heidi Reed family, Bryan and Julie Mattison family, K-Fex Inc., Mike and Ann Bromley, Dena and Toni Shafer, Gene Bartoszewicz/Bartz Farm
Isla Freehauf—A&R Trees and Stumps, All-Motive Solutions, Bailey and Bridgette Futa, Betz Trucking, Brian Biggers DVM, Bryan and Resa Warren, Clint Watts family, First Federal Savings Bank, Geyer Farms, Grandma Kathy Freehauf, Hardly Able Construction/Clemons Backhoe Service, Haseley family, Hensley's Trucking Inc., Hoosier Siding & Windows, Integrity Builders, Justin and Gwen Rentz, Nate Shireman family, Paula and Tim Wilson, Plumlee Dentistry, Plymouth Veterinary Clinic, Rochester Sale Barn, S&H Grazing Co., Shireman Veterinary Services, Skip and Jeanie Yoder, Split Enz, The Garage Auto Repair, Tillman Blueberry Farm, Toni and Dena Shafer, WalkerHughes Insurance, Weaver and Sons Trucking
Ella Haseley—D&M Propane, Wyckoff Hybrids, Hahn Construction, Bellman Oil, Nutrien Ag Solutions, 5C Event Barn, DeSchepper Farm Services, Curtis and Nancy Fritz, GreenMark Equipment, GC Service & Repair, Matt Lechlitner family, Doug and Mary Ann Millar, Monhaut Brothers Hay & Straw, Jill and Brandi Henderson and Daton Lewis, Mendenhall & Associates LLC, Doug and Debbie, H&D Family Farms, Sarah Tagtmeyer, Mark, Rebecca and Alice Haseley, Helena Agri-Enterprises/Chris Deutscher, Elton and Brenda Shafer, Toby Freehauf family, Clint Watts family, Grandma and Grandpa Sauter, Mom, Dad, Taylor and Georgia, Chris Snyder, Randy and Thelma Reed, Dave and Lindsey Miller, Brad Bradshaw family, McCormick Motors, Wyatt Merchants, Doug and Julie Moore, Tom Lizzi
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