The 2026 Warren County Fair Livestock Auction once again showcased the hard work and dedication of local 4-H and FFA exhibitors while demonstrating the incredible support of the Warren County community. This year's auction featured 200 market animals, generating an impressive auction total of $556,511.15, with that being $70,000 more than last year and one less exhibitor.
Local businesses, families, and community supporters came together to recognize the months of commitment exhibitors invest in raising quality livestock projects.
The Grand Champion Market Rabbit (Single Fryer) exhibited by Vayda Hopper sold for $4,000 to Schmidt Farms and Mike & Chris Mertens. The Reserve Champion Market Rabbit (Single Fryer) exhibited by Matthew O'Brien sold for $2,750, purchased by Megan & Josh Salley, Hometown Veterinary Clinic of Jonesburg, Verlyn & Donna Schulze, and Carmen Schulze.
In the beef division, Taylor Frye's Grand Champion Market Beef sold for $4.00 per pound, for $5,180. purchased by Marschel Wrecking, LLC. The Reserve Champion Market Beef, exhibited by Kinze Dent, also sold for $4.00 per pound, for $5,280 and was purchased by Josephville Meat Processing.
The Grand Champion Market Hog, exhibited by Emma Miederhoff, sold for $9.00 per pound, for $2,412 to Dynamic Contracting Duo and Eckenfels Flatwork Excavation. Gavin Pollard's Reserve Champion Market Hog brought $11.00 per pound, for $2,794. purchased by Marschel Wrecking, LLC.
The sheep division saw remarkable community support with the exhibitor taking her last time in the show and auction ring as Reagan Vehige's Grand Champion Market Lamb sold for an outstanding $70.00 per pound, for $10,062.50. Buyers included Edar Cardoza, A&C Logging & Hauling, Warrenton Tire & Muffler, Allen Seed and Service, Roger & Andrea Romaker, Nash Vehige, Emily Crider & Shane Vehige, Chuck & Eileen Vehige, CPA Roofing, Jon Williams, Father Eddie, Michelson Plumbing, John Nordwald Farm Bureau Insurance, Josephville Meat Processing, and Summit Pest Solutions. The Reserve Champion Market Lamb, exhibited by Bailey Love, sold for $17.50 per pound, for $2,178.75 to Megan Bayless.
In the meat goat division, Morgan Daehnke's Grand Champion Market Meat Goat sold for $23.00 per pound, for $1,920, purchased by TC Concrete Services, LLC. and Jeremy & Dawn Frye. Savannah Miller's Reserve Champion Market Meat Goat brought $25.00 per pound, for $1,812 with support from Westplex Real Estate, Craig & Sons Concrete, Santa, Best One Tire - Kurt & Kayla House, Stacey & Becky Begeman, Mrs. Jo's Childcare, and Brass Farm.
One of the highlights of the evening came in the poultry division, where Miles Jaeger's Grand Champion Market Pen of Chickens sold for an incredible $20,000. Buyers included Jaeger Builders, All Type Windows & Doors, Craig & Sons Concrete, Michael Schaefer, Barry Schaefer Construction, J Bruns Excavating, SSCS Flatwork, John Nordwald Farm Bureau Insurance, Old Monroe Lumber, Rodney & Nancy Ketz, Englert Contracting, and Wolf Painting Company. The Reserve Champion Market Pen of Chickens, exhibited by Gage O'Rourke, sold for $600 to Lincoln County Animal Hospital.
Average sale prices for the 2026 auction, with 200 animals sold:
The highest-selling animal in each species included:
The Warren County Fair Board and the Livestock Committee extend their sincere appreciation to every exhibitor, buyer, volunteer, family member, and community member whose support made another successful livestock auction possible. The continued investment in our youth helps ensure the future of agriculture remains strong in Warren County for generations to come.
The Warren County Fair Board and Livestock committee congratulates all exhibitors on an outstanding year and thanks the community for once again making the livestock auction one of the fair's most successful events.
