Livestock sale total tops $331,000

The numbers are in, and it was another record-setting year for the Big Horn County Fair’s junior livestock sale.

Buyers shelled out $331,263.50 for the 121 animals that were auctioned Saturday afternoon, easily topping last year’s record haul of $275,083.

“The sale started strong and carried through,” said Casey Sorenson of the Bank of Greybull, which clerked the sale. “We had nine more animals, but our sale was up over $57,000.”

The sale sheet included 43 lambs, 29 pigs, 26 goats, 17 steers and six rabbits.

Lambs averaged $15.93 per pound, $2,124.85 a head. The high seller was Olivia Rael, whose lamb went to S&L.

Pigs averaged $10.80 per pound, $2,838.47 a head. Elliahna Scheeler’s hog fetched the most, going to S&L.

Goats brought an average of $17.56 per pound, $1,439.69 a head. The high seller was Garrett Dalin, whose goat was purchased by Paintrock Angus and Let’er Buck Livestock.

Steers averaged $5.06 per pound, $6,789.56 a head.  Rocco Rael’s brought the most, going to S&L.

Rabbits went for an average of $787.50 a head. Tierney Hopkin’s brought the most, going to Tumbleweed Propane.

S&L was the top volume buyer, purchasing 11 animals on the day.  Next was Custom Air, Inc., with seven, then Miller Fabrication with five.

Sorenson described prices as “outstanding,” adding, “We are always excited for new buyers, of which there were a few, but many are the same buyers that have supported the fair for decades.”

Gretchen Gasvoda, who chairs the livestock sale committee, said she was overwhelmed by the support shown to the county’s 4-H and FFA youth.

“Thank you is inadequate for the support expressed at our sale,” Gasvoda said. “We are reminded once again that Big Horn County is a great place to live and raise a family.”