The 111 head of swine at the auction sold for a total of $43,487. The 14 head of cattle brought $20,673. The 31 dairy finished steers and starter calves brought $33,636. The goats brought $6,783. The two sheep brought $790. All other animals and auction items totaled $4,385.

Again, this year's auction was aided by some buyer support groups, consisting of local individuals and businesses, who pooled their resources to purchase auction animals to support the 4-H'ers.

Miss Pulaski County 2010 Samantha Rife’s kiss was purchased by her father Jeff Rife for $1,200. The 2010 4-H Royalty kisses, given by Katie Bierrum and Natasha Daugherty sold for $500 and $800, respectively. Katie's kiss was purchased by and awarded to her father, Mike Bierrum. Natasha's kiss was also purchased by and awarded to her father, Curt Daugherty.

The grand champion barrow was shown by Taylor Brandt and was purchased by Murray Leasing, LLC. The 264-pound crossbred hog brought $5 per pound for a total of $1,320. Taylor's parents are Joe and Annette Brandt of Rich Grove Twp. Last year's champion hog sold for $10 per pound.

The reserve grand champion barrow, shown by Jessica Brandt, was purchased by Kankakee Valley REMC. The 247-pound crossbred hog brought $3.25 per pound for a total of $802.75. Jessica's parents are Gerry and Mary Brandt of Harrison Twp. The grand champion gilt, owned by Tucker Webb was not auctioned. Tucker’s parents are Bill and Linda Webb of Harrison Twp. 

The grand champion steer, shown by Jordan Kolish, was purchased by T&T Farms and Prairieland Partners. The 1,333-pound Simmental steer brought $1.30 per pound for a total of $1,732. Jordan's dad is Kevin Kolish of Monroe Twp.  Last year’s grand champion steer was not auctioned.

The reserve grand champion steer was shown by Tanner Wuethrich and was purchased by Webb Printing and Prairieland Partners. The 1,174-pound Chianina steer brought $1.35 per pound for a total of $1,584.90. Tanner's parents are Brandon and Rosa Wuethrich of Salem Twp.     

The grand champion dairy finished steer was shown by  Donald Tiede and was purchased by Pulaski County Dairy Bar, and Scott and Colleen Wuethrich. . The 1,463-pound Holstein steer brought $1.10 per pound for a total of $1,609. Donald's parents are Thomas and Diana Tiede of Indian Creek Twp.

The 1,405-pound reserve grand champion dairy steer, was shown by Veronica Leman and was purchased by her grandfather, Sid Leman of Francesville. The Holstein steer brought $1.10 per pound for a total of $1,545. Veronica's parents are Scott and Kathy Leman of White Post Twp. The grand champion starter dairy calf, owned by Jarod Putt was not auctioned.

The grand champion gallon of milk brought $250 from Sid Leman. The dairy cow was shown by Veronica Leman.

The grand champion market lamb was shown by Thad Alexander, and was sold to the Scott Wuethrich Family for $3 per pound, a total of $393 for the Hampshire sheep. Thad is the son of Scott Alexander and Melissa Alexander of Monroe Twp. The reserve grand champion market lamb, shown by Samantha Kauffman sold for $2.80 per pound to Randy Zimmerman, a total of $397.60 for the sheep. Samantha is the daughter of Dr. Clint and Deb Kauffman of Monroe Twp.

The 85-pound grand champion dairy wether goat was shown by Dustin Dahn and was purchased for $3.50 per pound for a total of $297.50 by Kankakee Valley REMC. Dustin’s parents are Brian and Rosa Dahn of Beaver Twp.

The reserve grand champion dairy wether goat, shown by Kassi Dahn, sold to Dr. Chris Rumsey for $3.50 per pound. The 60-pound goat brought at total of $210. Kassi’s parents are Brian and Rosa Dahn.

The grand champion meat wether goat was shown by Gil Alexander. He sold his 88-pound goat to Kankakee Valley REMC for $3 per pound for a total of $264. Gil’s parents are Scott Alexander and Melissa Alexander.

The grand champion meat pen of rabbits was shown by Mary Pierce and was purchased for $225 by Ralph Braun Family. Mary’s parents are James and Peggy Pierce of Salem Twp.

Kate Gudeman sold her grand champion meat class chickens to Keller Insurance & Consulting for $375. Kate’s parents are Darrel and Karen Gudeman of Monroe Twp.

Johnny Hopkins sold his champion turkey to the Mark Wettstein Family for $175. Johnny’s parents are Johnny Hopkins and Vickie Grigsby of Fulton County.

The champion duck, shown by Katy Anspach, sold for $300 to Dave and Faye Leonard, and John Kwiatkowski. Katy’s parents are Alan and Angie Anspach of Van Buren Twp. The reserve champion duck, shown by Bryce Hoover, sold to Wagner Farms for $200. Bryce is the son of Larry and Holly Hoover of Indian Creek Twp.

See this story and all grand champion auction photos published in the July 15 issue of Farmer's Exchange www.farmers-exchange.net