By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorA handwritten note taped to the wall of the livestock office at the Warren County Fair tracks the upward climb in total sales in recent years.For exhibitors and organizers, it is a welcome sight — and trend.Last week’s Warren County Fair Livestock Auction generated a record $204,256 in gross receipts, an increase of around $18,000 compared to a year ago. A total of 127 animals were sold during the auction held July 2 at the fairgrounds.The previous auction record of $186,196.25 was set last year from the sale of 131 animals. The total sales have increased every year since 2011, when the gross receipts were $130,336.98.Of the six different divisions, five of them — hogs, lambs, goats, steers and rabbits — finished higher in total individual sales compared to last year’s event. The only division that did worse than 2014 was chickens and that can be partly attributed to having one less entry.Dave and Alexis Mikus served as chairmen of the livestock auction. Auctioneers were Charlie Nordwald of Wheeler Auctions, Allen Auction, Kaimann Auctions and Real Estate, and Bart Korman.Dave Mikus said it was remarkable to see the continued support for the auction.“It’s incredible,” he remarked. “It speaks leaps and bounds about our community and the businesses in our community to help the kids in our county. We had a big increase last year so that showed me that maybe the economy has made the turn. To have another $18,000 jump, I didn’t see it coming.”Mikus also praised the exhibitors for their hard work.“We have a great set of kids that put in a lot of time and hours into what they do,” he said. “They bring a quality product.”A total of 32 steers were sold during the beef auction, which brought in $125,067.25 in gross receipts. The average price per pound was $2.93.The grand champion steer, exhibited by Nicole Benne, was purchased by Marschel Wrecking LLC for $4,360 ($4 per pound).Kevin Schneider’s reserve champion steer was bought by Farmers Elevator of Hawk Point and People’s Bank and Trust for $4,470.Forty-three hogs were sold during the swine sale for $43,618.25. The average price per pound was $4.36.The grand champion hog, exhibited by Eric Schneider, was bought by Carpenters District Council and Carpenter’s Local 32 for $1,950.25 ($7.25). Abigail Raines Mikus had the reserve champion hog, which was purchased by Mary Raterman, CPA, and Michelson Plumbing for $2,055.Twelve sheep were sold at this year’s auction, bringing in $7.75 per pound and $11,093 overall. Niemann Tax Service paid $8 per pound and $1,128 overall for the grand champion sheep shown by Nick Banze.Banze also had the reserve champion, which was not sold.A total of 18 rabbits were sold at an average price of $561.11. The rabbit sale brought in $10,100.The grand champion was sold by Christopher Groeber for $500 to Highway 47 West Trailer Sales. The reserve grand champion, exhibited by Kenzie Huster, was purchased by Stephen Long for $600.In the goat sale, Dawn Sherman’s grand champion animal was purchased by Niemann Tax Service for $910 ($10 per pound). American Oasis LLC paid $871.50 for the reserve champion goat exhibited by Alauna Paul.Nine goats were sold for $9,327.50 and at an average price of $1,036.39.Thirteen chickens were sold for $5,050. The average price was $386.46.The grand champion chicken exhibited by Levi Williams was purchased for $500 by Kaimann Auctions and Real Estate. Carmen Schulze bought the reserve champion chicken, shown by Barrett Conn, for $600.Auction Sales Through the Years2015 - $204,2562014 - $186,196.252013 - $162,844.052012 - $139,630.952011 - $130,336.98Marschel Wrecking LLC purchased the grand champion steer exhibited by Nicole Benne, far right, at the Warren County Fair Livestock Auction. The steer was purchased for $4,360, or $4 per pound. Pictured above are representatives of the buyers and members of the Fair queen court. Tim Schmidt photo.
