Agriculture trade and tariff resources
Ohio Farm Bureau has collected information and resources that will be updated as the trade and tariff situation continues to unfold.
Read More
The Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions livestock auction, held Sunday afternoon Aug. 5 in the WCOL Celeste Center, showcased Ohio’s premium livestock, premier junior fair exhibitors and generous supporters. On the sale bill were grand champion and reserve champion of many species, including market beef, market barrows, market lambs and market chickens, as well as the grand champion market goat, market turkey and a block of Swiss cheese to represent the seven dairy champions. In full, the livestock was auctioned for a total of $255,000.
Ohio Farm Bureau and Bob Evans Farms, Kale Marketing, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Event Marketing Strategies and Huffman’s Market purchased the Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow for $33,000, setting a new state fair record with the purchase.
“We wouldn’t have such a successful Sale of Champions if it weren’t for our talented and dedicated youth and our incredibly supportive buyers. Our Youth Reserve Program is very impactful to not just those in the Sale of Champions but for everyone involved in the youth organization. It is such an honor to reward everyone involved,” explained General Manager Virgil Strickler. “We are exceptionally pleased with the $167,000 raised for the Youth Reserve Program at today’s Sale of Champions.”
While these Junior Fair exhibitors take great pride in raising a quality animal, the ultimate goal each year is to be awarded a grand champion ribbon. Grand or reserve champion is an immense honor for the exhibitor; and with the Youth Reserve Program and generous buyers, it is rewarding for the entire Junior Fair program. This year’s sale broke two records: Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow, which sold for $33,000, and Grand Champion Swiss Cheese, which sold for $28,000.
Established in 1995, the Youth Reserve Program’s was developed to reward junior exhibitors who participate in the Ohio State Fair. Funds for the program come from the dollars received over a cap that is placed on the amount an exhibitor can receive from the Sale of Champions. The funds from the program are distributed among carcass contests, scholarships, outstanding market exhibitor program, outstanding breeding exhibitor program, showmanship, skillathons, 4-H and FFA. The Youth Reserve Program has awarded $3,366,815 to approximately 40,000 youth exhibitors since its inception.
The 2018 Sale of Champions results are as follows:
Grand Champion Market Beef
Exhibited by: Caden Jones, Allen County
Purchased by: Steve R. Rauch, Inc.
Price: $41,500
Cap: $22,000
Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef
Exhibited by: Carver Gostomsky, Darke County
Purchased by: The Kroger Company
Price: $20,000
Cap: $11,000
Grand Champion Market Barrow
Exhibited by: Matthew Butterfield, Butler County
Purchased by: Meijer
Price: $48,000
Cap: $10,000
*Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow
Exhibited by: Grant Adams, Mercer County
Purchased by: Bob Evans Farms, Kale Marketing, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Event Marketing Strategies and Huffman’s Market
Price: $33,000*
Cap: $7,000
Grand Champion Meat Chickens
Exhibited by: Allison Davis, Carroll County
Purchased by: The Kroger Company, Gerber Poultry
Price: $14,000
Cap: $6,000
Reserve Champion Meat Chickens
Exhibited by: Meghan O’Reilly, Geauga County
Purchased by: The Kroger Company, Gerber Poultry
Price: $10,000
Cap: $4,000
Grand Champion Market Lamb
Exhibited by: Grant Johnson, Wayne County
Purchased by: The Kroger Company
Price: $21,000
Cap: $10,000
Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb
Exhibited by: Bailee Amstutz, Union County
Purchased by: Steve R. Rauch, Inc.
Price: $14,000
Cap: $7,000
Grand Champion Market Goat
Exhibited by: Ava Shroyer, Logan County
Purchased by: The Kroger Company
Price: $11,000
Cap: $5,000
Grand Champion Market Turkey
Exhibited by: Myah Jones, Clinton County
Purchased by: Kale Marketing, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Cooper Farms, and RD Jones Excavating
Price: $14,500
Cap: $3,000
*Grand Champion Swiss Cheese, produced by Pearl Valley Cheese Co., representing the seven dairy champions and supreme dairy showmen
Exhibited by:
Grand Champion Ayrshire: Marissa Topp, Auglaize County
Grand Champion Brown Swiss: Keaton Topp, Shelby County
Grand Champion Guernsey: Abigayle Dicke, Mercer County
Grand Champion Holstein: Kristopher Ackley, Logan County
Grand Champion Jersey: Drake Tompkins, Morgan County
Grand Champion Red and White: Madeline Topp, Auglaize County
Grand Champion Milking Shorthorn: Aubree Topp, Shelby County
Supreme Showman, Week 1 – Exhibited by: Madelin Topp, Auglaize County
Supreme Showman, Week 2 – Exhibited by: Kinley Topp, Shelby County
Purchased by: AG Boogher and Sons, S&S Volvo and GMC Trucks
Price: $28,000*
Cap: $3,000
2018 total sale: $255,000
2018 amount earned for Youth Reserve Program: $167,000
*Denotes new record
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Featured Articles
Proposed House tax provisions are relevant to farmers, ranchers, and small businesses
The proposed tax package makes permanent several provisions from the TCJA that were previously set to expire. It also expands upon these provisions to provide additional opportunities.
Read More
Power Take Off (PTO) safety
How do we reduce the risks to operators and family members who work with, and near PTO-driven equipment?
Read More
AgriPOWER leadership, advocacy program applications are open
AgriPOWER is a a leadership and advocacy development program of Ohio Farm Bureau, designed for farmers and agribusiness professionals.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau works to strengthen laws on foreign ownership of farmland
Ohio Farm Bureau members have become increasingly concerned about foreign ownership in recent years, as any threat to Ohio farmland is one they take very seriously.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation annual golf invitational details, 2025 honoree announced
The 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational takes place June 23 at Scioto Reserve Country Club in Powell. Tara Durbin is this year’s honoree.
Read More
Nationwide News: 65% of farmers lack risk management plans
Embracing risk planning and working with experts like a Nationwide-appointed agent can help farmers better navigate uncertainties and secure their farm’s future.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Growing a network
Be on the lookout this fall for details about how to apply to attend the 2026 FUSION conference.
Read More
Ag entrepreneurs encouraged to apply for Growing Tomorrow Grants
The grants are designed to find creative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today, and generate deeper public understanding of farming and the ways that agriculture impacts our nation and communities.
Read More