HARRISBURG, Pa. — Evan Vonada, a 4-H’er from Clinton County, earned a $10,000 bid for his grand champion market steer at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Hoss’s Steak and Sea House purchased the 1,300-pound champion at the farm show’s sale of champions Jan. 13. This year’s sale totaled $32,800.
The second-highest selling animal at the sale was the reserve champion junior market steer, exhibited by Colton Zundel, of New Alexandria, Pa., in Westmoreland County. The 1,295-pound crossbred sold to Fulton Bank, Bell and Evans Poultry, and Lebanon Valley Auction Co. for $5,700.
Zundel’s sister, Hannah, exhibited the reserve champion market steer at last year’s farm show.
Lambs
Following closely behind the beef champions, the 126-pound grand champion junior market lamb, exhibited by Samantha Adams of Bedford, Pa., sold for $3,500 to Alpine Building and Post Supply.
The reserve champion junior market lamb brought $2,000 from Westfield Insurance of Lititz, Pa. Abbey Benninghoff of Bessemer, Pa., in Lawrence County, took the honor with her 138-pound Hampshire lamb.
Hogs
In the swine sale, Joey Espey from Scottdale, Pa., in Westmoreland County, sold his 276-pound crossbred grand champion junior market swine to Hatfield Quality Meats for $3,300.
The reserve champion junior market swine, owned by Kelsey May of Mill Run, Pa., in Fayette County was also purchased by Hatfield Quality Meats, along with Eat n’ Park Restaurants. The 278-pound porker sold for $3,000.
Goats
New Holland Sales Stables purchased the grand champion junior market goat. Jeremy Mock from Williamsburg, Pa., in Blair County, raised the 95-pound crossbred goat that sold for $3,300.
The 85-pound reserve champion junior market goat, a crossbred owned by Valerie Svonavec from Rockwood, Pa., in Somerset County, sold for $2,000 to Fulton Bank and Kessler’s Inc.
Money generated from the market auctions is used to help fund the Farm Show Scholarship Program. At least 1 percent of the gross sale receipts from each animal sold is contributed to the fund. In total, 422 animals were sold, grossing more than $270,000. This year, 23 scholarships for $3,750 were awarded, totaling $86,250.
Volunteers
Before each species sold in the sale of champions, Outstanding 4-H Leader Awards were given to individuals representing species. The awards recognized those who volunteer their time to help motivate Pennsylvania youth to become strong leaders within their homes and communities.
Volunteers recognized this year include:
