Article

The 2024 Sale of Champions livestock auction once again wrapped up the Ohio State Fair. The event, held Sunday afternoon Aug. 4 in the WCOL Celeste Center, showcased Ohio’s premium livestock, premier junior fair exhibitors and generous supporters. On the sale bill were the grand champion and reserve champion of many species, including market beef, market barrows, market lambs, market chickens and boer goats, as well as the grand champion market turkey and a block of Swiss cheese to represent the seven dairy champions. In full, the 2024 auction raised a total of $260,500.

Ohio Farm Bureau, along with partners Bob Evans, Kroger and Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, purchased the Grand Champion Market Steer exhibited by Annistyn Oszust of Tuscarawas County, which sold for $40,000. Oszust received $25,000 from the sale, with the remaining $15,000 going to the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program.

Ohio Farm Bureau, along with partners Bob Evans and Kroger, purchased the Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow exhibited by Kole Bishop of Champaign County, which sold for $35,000. Bishop received $9,000 from the sale, with the remaining $26,000 going to the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program.

Ohio Farm Bureau, along with partners Kroger and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, also purchased the Grand Champion Market Lamb exhibited by Ava Shroyer from Logan County for $13,000, equaling the cap amount allotted to the exhibitor. 

Established in 1995, the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program was developed to reward junior exhibitors who participate in the Ohio State Fair. This year’s Sale of Champions raised $134,500 for the Youth Reserve Program; since its inception the program has awarded nearly $5 million to more than 44,500 youth exhibitors.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or thiggins@ofbf.org.

Editors: High-resolution photos for the Grand Champion Market Steer, Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow and Grand Champion Market Lamb are available for download.