To the Editor,
The weigh-in for club calves slated to be shown at the Warren County Fair was held on Feb. 12.
In order for calves to qualify for the 2022 fair, calves needed to be born …
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To the Editor,
The weigh-in for club calves slated to be shown at the Warren County Fair was held on Feb. 12.
In order for calves to qualify for the 2022 fair, calves needed to be born after Jan. 1. The calves received a numbered ear tag and were weighed so their rate-of-gain can be checked at fair time.
Now, the work begins for the young exhibitors. They have four and a half months to get the steers properly finished for market and trained for the show. First comes the bonding process where the kids and animals slowly get acquainted. After which, petting and brushing starts.
Soon, they can be haltered and tied for short periods, being closely watched until they become accustomed to a tight rope. After some time, they can be led to water and feed. Breaking to lead takes time and patience; depending on temperament, some animals are easier to break than others.
Watching their feed intake is very important and can only be increased a small amount at a time. The cost of calves, feed, and supplies is much greater now than in the past, which may reduce the profits this year. The merchants and community are extremely supportive of the exhibitors who work very hard and are learning responsibility by taking part in these projects.
This show and auction all began 62 years ago. The first show and auction in conjunction with the Warren County Fair was held on Aug. 18, 1960. The auction was sponsored by the Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, which received much support from its members. Nineteen steers with an average weight of 1000 pounds sold for an average of $28.45 per hundred weight. This was somewhat above market price at that time. Fred Vahle’s grand champion market steer brought the top price of $338 total, being purchased by the Binkley Company.
In comparison, forty calves were sold in 2021, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $12,500, which was for the grand champion market steer. Buyer support and prices set a record high.
If you are interested in supporting the youth of Warren County this year, the Warren County Fair livestock events will be held July 5-9. The livestock auction takes place on Thursday, July 7 at 7 p.m.
See you at the fair!
Alvin Brandt
Warrenton
