Local 4-H youth reaped the rewards of months of hard work at the Arapahoe County Fair Youth Livestock Auction on July 23. The auction generated a record-high $63,500 through the sale of 69 locally-raised market animals to citizens and businesses. 4-H exhibitors walked away with $300 to $3,000 per animal, more than double or triple the market value of the animals.

Youth enrolled in the Arapahoe County 4-H animal projects dedicate their own time and resources to purchase and prepare lambs, swine, goats, poultry, rabbits and cattle for exhibition and sale at the Fair. By selling their top-ranking market animal at the auction, participants can recoup their own costs and invest any proceeds in their future 4-H involvement and education. 

“We are so grateful to all of our livestock auction bidders and buyers, some of whom came from as far as Arizona and others who have been bidding for generations, who showed such tremendous generosity despite an economic recession,” said Arapahoe County Commissioner Frank Weddig. “Their support proves that our community is invested in developing and rewarding its exceptional youth and preserving the County’s agricultural heritage.”

Bidders enjoyed a pre-auction barbeque sponsored by Potestio Brothers and Bennett’s Bar-B-Que. As each animal was led into the ring by the exhibitor, auctioneer Steve Linnebur encouraged bids in dollars per head. The highest bidder was given the option to take the animal home, have the top-quality meat prepared by a local packing plant, or simply to make a donation to the youth participant for the purchase price of the animal. 4-H exhibitors are required to follow quality production practices in nutrition, health, care and handling of their livestock to assure it meets high-quality meat standards. 

Caleb Morris of Byers, age 9, was the youngest 4-H livestock exhibitor to win a champion title in the market animal classes. Caleb sold his Grand Champion Goat to John and Pat Cavey for $900, and his cousin, Dominic Morris, age 12, also sold his Reserve Grand Champion Goat to Mr. Cavey for $900.

“I decided to show goats in 4-H because my cousin was showing and I wanted to start showing with him. I was shocked when I won,” said Caleb. “I’d like to tell the Caveys ‘thank you’ for buying my animal and I’m so happy they did buy it. I think it’s important to support the 4-H because it helps kids and helps the community.” Caleb said he plans to put the funds from the sale of his goat into his college fund.

 4-H member Brice Hanlon of Strasburg, age 14, sold his grand champion steer to Cross Country Pipeline for $3,000. The Reserve Grand Champion Steer, owned by Nate Becker of Byers, age 10, was purchased for $2,800 by Urban and Virginia Elpers.

 Rob Buchanon purchased the Grand Champion Hog for $2,600 from Maggie James of Bennett, age 15. Rocky Mountain Pipeline purchased the Reserve Grand Champion Hog for $2,600 from Wyatt Arnold, age 15, of Strasburg.

 Jonathan Cretti of Bennett, age 15, sold his Grand Champion Sheep to Cross Country Pipeline for $1,025 and his Reserve Grand Champion Sheep to Colorado First National Bank also for $1,025.

 The Grand Champion Poultry pen of chickens owned by Heather Crismon of Bennett, age 12, sold to Valley Bank and Trust for $600. Mitchell Stoumbaugh of Deer Trail, age 11, sold his Reserve Grand Champion Poultry pen of ducks to Pit Barrel Cooker Company for $475, and his Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Rabbits to The Bluffs for $375 each.

Other winning buyers included: Big R of Elizabeth, Bijou Creek Hay & Livestock, Bucko's Feed 'n' Freight, Byers General Store, Charlie Tucker, Corner Gas/BTS, Crop Production Services, Guaranty Bank, High Plains Bank, Jim Kelly, Karber Mechanical Insulation, Living Springs Veterinary Clinic, Lottman Oil, Lulu's, Mark and Debbie Galle, Mike and Eva Pugh, Murdock's Ranch & Home Supply, O'Malleys Mercantile, Price Ranch, Rocky Mountain Propane, Scott Aviation, Strasburg Vet Clinic, Sweeney Farms, Terry and Barb Pape and THG Enterprises LLC.  

This year, 246 4-H members entered to exhibit in the livestock, horse, general and home economic projects at the Arapahoe County Fair.

For more information or to register as a bidder in next year’s Arapahoe County Fair Youth Livestock Auction, please visit www.arapahoecountyfair.com or call Kath O’Malley at 303-261-7743.

To learn more about the Arapahoe County 4-H program, please visit www.arapahoeextension.org or call 303-730-1920. Enrollment for the 2011-2012 4-H year begins October 1.