Weld County Fair’s junior livestock sale breaks record

The future cowboys and cowgirls of northern Colorado set a record for sales in the 106th Weld County Fair’s Junior Livestock Sale.

“We are extremely proud of the youth who participate in the Junior Livestock Sale,” said Chair Kevin Ross. “These youth have put numerous hours of commitment into preparing themselves and their animals for this sale, and we are especially appreciative to the parents and community members who support them.”

With 356 buyers on July 29, Weld County Fair’s junior livestock competitors in Greeley combined to sell $1,841,068 worth of livestock. The competition drew over 700 attendees, according to fair officials.

That broke last year’s record of $1,784,000 in livestock sold.

Total sales include that of animals and supporters’ individual contribution “add-ons,” which is money added onto the sale of any animal.

Junior livestock sales typically involve youth ages 9 to 18.

The National Western Stock Show, Colorado's largest annual livestock show, sold $1,374,000 worth of livestock during the Junior Livestock Champions auction.

Each summer, youth come to compete at the Weld County Fair, among many other county fairs in Colorado, to sell and showcase their livestock.

This year’s Weld County Fair crowned seven champions, while two of the livestock animals weren’t present due to Avian Flu outbreak:

• Market Beef: The $60,000 grand champion owned by Dylan Stone was purchased by Gutterson Ranch. The $22,000 reserve grand champion is owned by Tatum DePorter and was purchased by Bayswater Exploration & Production.
• Market Swine: The $32,000 grand champion is owned by Tanner Brasil and was purchased by Chevron. The $11,500 reserve grand champion is owned by Cade Simpson and was purchased by Greeley Nissan Volkswagen.
• Market Lambs: The $22,000 grand champion is owned by Cal Sidwell and was purchased by Civitas Resources. The $12,000 reserve grand champion is owned by Harper Tolle and was purchased by Occidental.
• Market Goats: The $18,000 grand champion is owned by Jordan Halley and was purchased by Civitas Resources. The $18,000 reserve grand champion is owned by Karsyn Fetzer and was purchased by Bayswater Exploration & Production.
• Pen of Three Meat Rabbits: The $6,000 grand champion is owned by Zachary Schmunk and was purchased by L & A Ventures.
• Chickens: $15,000 was distributed equally to seven exhibitors (chickens were not present due to Avian Flu outbreak) and they were purchased by A Concrete Inc.
• Turkeys: $6,000 was distributed equally to six exhibitors (turkeys were not present due to Avian Flu outbreak) and they were purchased by Civitas Resources.