4-H’ers get rewarded for hard work with big bids at Fair Meat Auction

Photos and information courtesy of Kristina Gabalski, Orleans County 4-H Coordinator

KNOWLESVILLE – Matthew Bloom, 13, of Albion leads his 1,275-pound market beef steer into the show ring as part of the 4-H Fair Meat Auction. The steer was purchased by WNY Energy for $2.55 a pound.

The Orleans County 4-H Fair persevered despite a major downpour on Saturday, bringing about 3 inches of rain. One of the fair’s biggest events, the 4-H Fair Meat Auction, drew a crowd with people paying well above the market price for the animals.

Lena Grillo, 11 of Albion, is shown with her Reserve Champion Market Lamb. The lamb was purchased by Panek Farms for $4.25 a pound and then donated back to the auction. The second time it came up for bid, it was purchased by Adam and Heather Dresser for $3.25/lb.

There was a total of 32 lots including 5 pies, the two travel pillows and the gift card.  Meat rabbits, a goat, lambs, beef and hogs were the featured market animals that were auctioned off.

Ruth Kuipers, 13, of Byron prepares her Champion Beef Steer for auction. Amelia Paratore, 13, of Corfu, is next to Ruth.

Haylee Wright, 12, of Lyndonville and Hugh Gabalski, 16, of Byron, stand with their market auction rabbits during the preview session for bidders at the annual 4-H Fair Market Auction.

NYS Associate Commissioner of Ag & Markets Damali Wynter spoke briefly before the start of the auction on Saturday evening. She thanked 4-H families for all that they are doing to support and promote agriculture and said she would share all she learned with state officials. She was given a tour of the fairgrounds prior to attending the market auction.

Elizabeth Dresser, 11, of Medina shows off her blue ribbon market hog. Nutrien made the winning bit of $7 a pound for the 252 lb. animal.

5-year-old David Welker of Medina was among 4-Hers who helped to auction off five pies to benefit the Orleans County 4-H Program. His dad, Zack Welker (helping in the auction ring), provides some guidance.  A pie/handmade travel pillow/gift certificate lot fetched a $380 willing bid from Basinait Farms.