Published: August 14, 2009 06:46 am      

Fair's livestock auction a success

Bidders applaud children's efforts, support programs

Grayson — Bidding at the 2009 Carter County Livestock Auction opened slowly Thursday but built momentum as the night progressed.

Kim Flaugher, Carter County Fair vice president and livestock chairwoman, said the auction “went really well.”



“I was very impressed,” she said, adding organizers were a little worried the current economic crisis would dampen competitive bidding spirits.

Forty-seven animals were up for bids Thursday night before a crowd of several hundred.

The auction is the capstone of the fair for many of the young adults and children who raise the animals.

Many of Thursday’s 36 registered bidders participate in the auction each year as a way to show their support for the children’s efforts and Carter County 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs.

The grand champions were the first to be sold, with Megan Wyatt’s grand champion steer leading the way. Wyatt’s 1,349-pound steer was sold to Carter County Judge-Executive Charles Wallace for $2.35 a pound.

Abby Hall’s grand champion lamb went to Cook’s Farm Center for $5.60 a per pound, while Zach Hardin’s 305-pound grand champion swine was bought by the Kentucky Automotive Center for $3 a pound.

The grand champion goat, weighing 80 pounds and raised by Daniel Utley, was sold for $9 a pound, while Caitlin Smith’s grand champion rabbits and Jacob Stamper’s grand champion chickens sold for $300 and $340, respectively.

Utley, 10, couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after his goat, Thunder, was auctioned. “It was pretty exciting,” he said, adding his “big happy smile” was the key to his success.

Utley said he plans to use the cash he earned through the sale to purchase another goat, with some set aside for college.

Although some of the livestock purchased at Thursday’s auction will make its way to bidder’s tables, many of the animals will be spared.

Wallace said his family always purchases steers and swine to fill the freezers. Others, like Circuit Judge Rebecca Phillips, return the livestock to the children to decide their fate.

Phillips, who has purchased chickens raised by Jacob Stamper for the last two years, said she bids to support the children and the 4-H program.

“I think it’s a very good program. It teaches the kids responsibility. I grew up on a farm and I appreciate the kids keeping the farm traditions up and learning how to raise their own livestock,” she said.

“I enjoy it and look forward to it every time the fair comes around. This is my favorite event of the fair,” Phillips added.

Cooks Farm Center owner Bob Sells of Ironton, who has been bidding on livestock at five regional fairs for more than 30 years, echoed Phillips’ sentiment.

“To me, the 4-H program, no matter what state you are in, is probably the best program for kids that was ever developed. I think it teaches a lot of responsibility, care and understanding of animals,” he said. Sells said his company purchases the children’s livestock to show there is value in the efforts.

He said the company either resells the livestock or, if permitted, returns it to the sellers.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.