Farm Show livestock auction sets 3 records
A lively 4-H livestock auction at Butler Farm Show Thursday night produced three record-setting buys and many opportunities for a new generation.
A sister and brother duo not only took top prizes in the rabbit category this year, they also set records along the way.
Sarah Brandon, 15, of Prospect broke a record of $2,700 set in 2015 with her Grand Champion Rabbit Meat pen that weighed in at 13 pounds, one ounce. Her pen was bought for $3,000.
Sarah said the money was well over market value, and she was stunned and thankful to her buyers for their support.
“Rabbits can bring in $200 or more if you have your buyers lined up,” Sarah said.
Sarah's brother, Ryan, 13, also topped a record he set of $1,100 last year, earning $2,100 with his 13 pound, six ounce, Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit Meat pen.
Ryan said he was floored by the generosity of the bidders.
“I was expecting getting maybe $600 tops,” he said.
Sarah and Ryan take care of their rabbits together — and there are hundreds of them to husband.“We have about 300 rabbits,” Sarah said.Ryan said the money he made with his pen this year will go back into the herd.“It's gonna help to save up and better my herd,” he said. “I could buy a better buck or a better doe.”Sarah said she's a little bit closer to needing money for college, so she plans to set the money aside. She is hoping to pursue a career as a veterinarian and wants to attend Penn State University.The third record was broken in a big way by Grace Swope, who earned $11,600 at $41-per-pound for her Grand Champion Market Hog. Her hog was around 280 pounds.Despite not being a new record-holder, Jay Allen, 13, also earned big money with his Grand Champion Market Steer at $9.50-per pound. His steer weighed 1,355 pounds, making the animal's price $12,872.“More tears, more happiness,” Jay said. “Hard work pays off.”Jay said he took a lot more responsibility with his steer this year, and he feels like the commitment made a difference.“I can do better with me doing more,” he said.
Jay said he'll spend half of the money on his steer for next year and put the rest away for future college plans.“(Next year) I'm hoping for the same results,” he said. “That would be amazing.”Other categories paled in price at auction, but Austin Drake, 18, of Butler said 4-H is an opportunity to sell more than just livestock.Drake earned $11-per-pound for his 128-pound Grand Champion Market Lamb, a total of $1,408. He said he has had a Grand Champion or Reserve Grand Champion at four of the last five auctions, so he felt confident heading into today.“We've done well,” he said. “It's a group effort. My brother helps out a lot.”But Drake also was recognized before the auction for earning a $2,000 scholarship through 4-H.Drake graduated from First Christian Baptist School this past school year, and he plans to pursue a career as a registered nurse. He said he'll start by attending Butler County Community College to earn an associate degree, and knows he'll have to work hard to reach his goals.Drake said 4-H has set him up for success by teaching him core values, and now it has helped him financially.“It's really a good program,” he said. “It really helps kids out.”
