Junior Livestock Sale brings in $491k, champion steer sells for $58k to Pueblo's Sam Brown

The Colorado’s Electric Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale raised more than $491,000 at the Colorado State Fair on Tuesday through the auction of 139 animals raised and shown by Colorado youth from all across the state.

The 2022 grand champion steer was raised by Stetson Gabel of Weld County and sold to Pueblo's Sam Brown and family — who've set record sale prices on animals sold by 4-H exhibitors at the fair for decades — for $58,000.

“Events like the Junior Livestock Sale help us look to the future of agriculture in Colorado," said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis in a news release. "To keep thriving, we must continue supporting the next generation of agriculture by empowering our young ag leaders and preparing them to step into leadership roles when their time comes."

In the market hog exhibition, the winning hog was raised by Avery Kimble, of Montrose, and purchased by the Denver Rustlers for $36,000; the grand champion market rabbits were raised by Chloe Smith, of Yuma, and sold to the Fair Ladies for $2,000; the grand champion market lamb was raised by David Vetter, of Bennett, and sold to Sam Brown and family for $15,000; and the grand champion market goat was raised by Anna Vetter, of Bennett, and sold to the Denver Rustlers for $7,000.

The Junior Livestock Sale benefits youth exhibitors who raise animals to show at the Colorado State Fair. Youth exhibitors who participate learn skills like responsibility, leadership, showmanship, and best animal husbandry practices.

“The Junior Livestock Sale highlights the hard work and dedication of Colorado’s young people who will become the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry,”said Colorado State Fair General Manager Scott Stoller."We’re thankful to the generous buyers who are committed to supporting the future of Colorado agriculture and who traveled from near and far to participate in the auction.”

The sale helps support future of Colorado’s agribusiness, demonstrating the importance of raising quality livestock and the work required of those who pursue careers in agriculture.

A complete list of winners is posted on the Colorado State Fair website. Here are the Grand and Reserve Grand Champions:

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Junior livestock sale brings in $491k, Pueblo's Brown buys champion steer