Buyers continue strong support at junior livestock sale

Saturday’s Big Horn County Fair junior livestock sale fell short of eclipsing last year’s record total but still compared favorably to the 2023 sale as local buyers continued their support for the county’s 4-H and FFA programs.

The 110 animals that went to market this year produced a total sale of $292,479, according to Casey Sorensen of the Bank of Greybull, which clerked the sale. Last year, 11 more animals sold and the total sale soared to $331,263. The 2023 sale saw 112 animals bring $275,083, making it far more comparable.

“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support our community provides to both our 4-H and FFA programs,” Gretchen Gasvoda said on behalf of the livestock sale committee, which she chairs. “It takes every supporter, volunteer, family member and youth working together to create a successful program.”

The sale sheet this year included 39 lambs, 29 pigs, 28 goats, 11 steers and three rabbits.

The 39 lambs sold for an average of $17.29/pound or $2,259/head — compared to $15.93/pound, $2,124/head last year. The high seller was Gracie Angell; her lamb was bought by S&L of Cowley, which paid $42.50/pound.

The 29 hogs sold for an average of $11.79/pound or $2,936.24/head — compared to $10.80/pound, $2,838/head last year. The high seller was Tejeo Scheeler, at $35/pound, to S&L of Cowley.

The 28 goats sold for an average of $18.23/pound and $1,480.70/head — compared to $17.56/pound and $1,439/head last year. The high seller was Sammy Boardman, at $35/pound, to Legend Rock Ranch of Casper.

The 11 steers sold for an average of $5.25 per pound, $6,846.92 per head — compared to $5.06/pound and $6,789/head last year. Connor Hoyt’s brought the most, going for $7 per pound to Mountain Construction of Lovell.

The three rabbits sold for an average of $816.67/head — compared to $787.50/head last year. The high seller was Burl Twitchell, whose rabbit sold for $1,100. George Ward of Lovell was the buyer.

Gasvoda concluded, “The collaborative spirit that defines Big Horn County’s approach to youth agricultural education ensures that, despite economic headwinds, young people continue to have opportunities to develop leadership skills, agricultural knowledge and lifelong connections to their rural heritage.”