Hot Pursuit

As I walked around the Steele County Fair last week, I couldn’t help but think how the fair is built on tradition.
Some of those traditions keep growing stronger year after year. Such is the case with the 4-H livestock auction, which was held Saturday morning. It’s referred to as the 4-H Sale of Champions and this year marked its 70th year. 
More than 100 4-H livestock members sold their animals in the auction. This included 38 champion and reserve champion hogs, sheep, poultry and beef. About 100 buyers from around the area bid on the animals at a price much higher than market price. 
McKenna Schroht of the Meriden Meadowlarks came away as the big prizewinner when she sold her champion purebred barrow for a whopping $2,800. 
In all, the 4-H auction brought in $80,000, just shy of last year’s record of $81,000. That’s still not a bad profit for 4-H and its members. 
It’s rewarding to see the 4-H’ers walk out of the show ring with big smiles knowing that they have received a hefty compensation for their hard work throughout the year with their animals. 
I am impressed at how local businesses come together to support the 4-H program, which I consider one of the best youth programs in America. 
Nearly 35 years ago I was one of those kids in the livestock auction, though not in this county. Back then the profits weren’t nearly what they have become today, but it was still gratifying to receive payment for my project. 
Some of the area’s auctioneers donate their services to auction off the animals. 
Proceeds from the auction are divided up with 60 percent given to the individual member and 40 percent being funneled into the county 4-H program. The auction is one of the major fundraising events for 4-H throughout the entire year. It all helps pay for summer programs, camps and transportation costs. In addition, scholarships are given out every year to deserving 4-H members. 
The sale wouldn’t be as successful as it is without the volunteer efforts of Jim Grass, a long-time hog farmer from Owatonna. At 85 years old, Grass hasn’t lost his love to help the 4-H program in Steele County. 
Prior to the county fair, Grass heads out to businesses around the county inviting them to take part in the auction. Some of the businesses show up at the auction while others throw open their checkbooks for Grass to spend their money for them (with a budget set, of course). 
During the auction, Grass gets help from his daughter, Julie, as they keep a close eye on the animals and make purchases for various businesses who want to support 4-H. 
The businesses, too, recognize the importance the auction. As one businessman told me, “They are our future customers and we need agriculture to survive.” 
Fair is tradition and the 4-H auction is one activity that I hope businesses will remain in hot pursuit of supporting for years to come.