Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

Editor’s Note: Photos of the grand champion beef steer, duck market lamb, rabbit meat pen and turkey were provided by Jerry Goshert, Farmer’s Exchange.

WARSAW — You never know what to expect at the Kosciusko County 4-H Livestock Auction, when it comes to the 4-H King and Queen Kiss. These cherished kisses have gone to family members, boy friends or girl friends, youngsters of friends and even a pet calf. Last year it was the king’s suit auctioned instead of the kiss.

This year Morgan Himes’ Queen’s Kiss was normal. Her kiss was auctioned off for $1,150 and the lucky recipient was her sister, Sophia. The money raised will go to replace a lost tree at the Memorial Gardens.

But the kiss from Riley Shephard, 4-H King, took on the theme of the 60s and 70s show “The Dating Game.” Shephard was blindfolded as three contestants were introduced.

The first contestant was a strange looking blonde with a beard and mustache, who was actually Gabe Ayers wearing a wig.

The second contestant was a cute looking young lady, carried to the ring by Hudson Shepherd. This contestant was a white and brown goat.

The third contestant was 4-H Queen Morgan Himes.

After the bidding, in which the kiss went for $1,200, the 4-H King had to make his choice. After some thought, he choose No. 2, but then he wanted to change it to No. 3. While there was a slight discussion about how he couldn’t change his mind, Himes and Hudson Shepherd switched contestant numbers.

With his blindfold on, Riley Shepherd reached out to kiss Contestant No. 2, and even though he realized it was a goat, gave the animal a kiss. He then gave Himes a kiss.

Livestock Sold

This year’s sale of champions also had a special guest. Tricia Sloma WNDU’s morning co-anchor was present to help in the sale ring with local radio announcer Chris Cage.

The auction highlights the efforts the 4-H’ers put into their livestock projects throughout the year. Each year the sale begins with the Sale of Champions followed by regular livestock club members. The auction is “premium only” where a buyer pays premiums or a cash award in recognition of a 4-H’ers financial investment and hard work.

This year there were 10 champions or reserve champions sold. By the end of the auction there were 286 lots auctioned off.

Here are the auction day results of the sale of champions:

Grand champion rabbit meat pen, shown by Adalyn Meyer, Winona Lake, daughter of Doug and Janelle Myer, brought $340. He is in his fourth year as a 4-H’er and member of the Horse & Pony Club.

Grand champion turkey, shown by Kaleb Kline, Claypool, son of Duane and Rickell Kline, brought $1,975. This was Kline’s ninth year in 4-H and a member of the Leesburg Mighty Farmers. He also had sheep and rabbit projects.

Grand champion duck, shown by Alex Halaijian, Leesburg, son of Donovan and Harah Halajian, brought $2,600. This is Halaijian’s first year in 4-H and is a member of Leesburg Mighty Farmers. He also had dairy and swine projects.

Grand champion market lamb, shown by Caleb Lechlitner, Nappanee, son of Fred and Heather Lechlitner, brought $9,240. He is a 10-year 4-H’er and a member of Leesburg Mighty Farmers. He also had beef and swine projects.

The grand champion beef steer, shown by Andon Zehring, Leesburg, son of Brian and Janel Zehring, brough $10,200. Zehring is a 10-year 4-H’er and a member of Leesburg Mighty Farmers. He also had goat projects.

The reserve champion beef steer, shown by Jaden Moneyheffer, Akron, son of Kayla Leininger and Justin Moneyheffer, brought $4,825. He is a member of Claypool Classics and in his seventh year of 4-H. He also has sheep and dairy projects.

Reserve champion dairy steer, shown by Jenna Beer, Milford, daughter of Marc and Jodi Beer, brought $3,750. She is in her fourth year of 4-H and a member of Milford helping Hands. She also has swine and goat projects.

Grand champion dairy market goat, shown by Hannah Kohler, Warsaw, daughter of Todd and Jennifer Kohler, brought $1,300. She is a seventh-year 4-H’er with the Beaver Dam Better 4-H’ers. She also has dairy projects.

Grand champion senior milking goat, shown by Jason Moore, Warsaw, son of Tim and Janet Moore, brought $1,000. He is a seventh-year 4-H’er with the Goat Club. He also has poultry projects.

Grand champion specialty market goat, shown by Remington Bouse, Claypool, daughter of Tyler and Missy Bouse, brought $3,030. She is a second-year 4-H’er and a member of the Leesburg Mighty Farmers. She also has swine projects.

The 4-H Livestock Auction is “premium only.” This is where a buyer pays premiums, or a cash award in recognition of a 4-H’ers financial investment and hard work. Animals remain with the 4-H member or will be sold outside of the 4-H Livestock Auction. Those 4-H’ers who have multiple species are allowed to go through the auction ring once and must choose which specie to represent their livestock projects.

Add-ons to any livestock member will be received until midnight Tuesday, July 16.