Fair sale brings in over $100,000

The Hot Springs County Junior Livestock Auction and Judge's Choice Bake Sale Friday evening showcased a total of 70 livestock and judge's choice bake sale entries and brought in $104,707.65.

Although the total amount collected at the sale this year is down sharply from last year's total of $133,137 for 66 sale entries, it still shows strong community support for 4-H and FFA youth in the county. Auctioneer Verne Lofink noted there has been a significant downturn regarding the economy in the past several months, but encouraged bidders to still show as much support as they could for the kids who work so hard to raise and show their animals. He was also able to get a few laughs from the crowd, and had plenty of encouraging words for the kids. John Holm helped with the auctioneering.

Sale results provided by the Hot Springs County Fair staff do not include add-ons or donations.

Market sheep

The livestock auction featured 16 market lamb entries with sales totaling $12,722.50. Hallie Martinez did not sell her Grand Champion animal. Hayden Overfield sold his Reserve Champion Sheep to Bank of Thermopolis for $1,143 at $9 per pound. Overfield's sheep brought the highest price per pound. Market sheep averaged $5.97 per pound and $795.16 per head.

Market swine

An outstanding thirty-four entries were sold at the livestock auction for market swine totaling $41,626.50 in sales. Remington Ferree's Grand Champion sold for $1,071 at $4.25 per pound to Kevin and Liz Mahoney. Jayssie Owsley did not sell her Reserve Champion animal. The highest price per pound was paid to Luke Dickey by Owl Creek Ranch at $5.75 per pound for a sale price of $1,638.75. Market swine averaged $4.72 per pound and $1,224.31 per head.

Market beef

The auction showcased 14 beef entries with sales totaling $47,253.65. Strite Daniels did not sell his Grand Champion animal. The Reserve Champion, also owned by Daniels, was sold to Thermopolis Hardware for $4.50 per pound for a sale price of $5,913. His animal brought in the highest price per pound. Market beef averaged $2.62 per pound and $3,375.26 per head.

Bake sale

The annual Judge's Choice Bake Sale featured six entries and brought in $3,105. A basket belonging to Hallie Martinez was the high seller at $800 going to the Bomb Photography.