The Schaghticoke Fair was the setting for the annual 4H Livestock Auction held on Labor Day 2009. This year Rensselaer County youth had 15 animal projects that were eagerly bid on by community members.
Project animals included one steer, two hogs, five lambs, one rabbit and six chickens. Members worked hard all year on caring for their animals and working on their handling skills. The youth are also required to keep a project record to teach them about profit/loss.
The champion market steer raised by Robert Church was purchased by John Stevens of Petersburgh for $800.
The champion market hog was raised by Jacob Bakaitis of Hoosick Falls and purchased by Ken Herrington, Brunswick, for $260, and the reserve champion market hog was raised by Robert Church of Hoosick Falls and purchased by Ronald Marbot of Johnsonville for $210.
The champion market lamb, raised by Jessica Gwozdz of Poestenkill, was purchased by Bernie Wiesen of Johnsonville for $115. The reserve champion market lamb raised by Olivia Logue of Johnsonville was purchased
by Ken Johnson of Castleton for $115. There were three other blue ribbon market lambs. They were raised by Chris Bevevino of Valley Falls, Liz Sheffer of Troy and Jessica Gwozdz. All were purchased by Ken Johnson of Kristi’s Barn in Castleton.
The champion rabbit was raised by Patrick Turriglio of Valley Falls and purchased by Cambridge Valley Livestock Market, Cambridge for $55.
The champion poultry fryer raised by David Tarbox was purchased by Kathy Jimino of Troy for $80. The reserve champion poultry fryer raised by Gabrielle Tarbox was purchased by Tony Grab of Troy for $30. A blue ribbon poultry fryer raised by David Tarbox was purchased by Jayne Tarbox of Troy. A red ribbon poultry fryer, raised by Gabrielle Tarbox, was purchased by Kathy Jimino for $55 then donated back and purchased by Ken Herrington for $52.50 and then donated back once again and finally purchased by Wendy Baker of Hoosick Falls for $25. Anthony Grab raised two red ribbon poultry fryers, one which was purchased by Jayne Tarbox and another purchased by Dale Cornell of Hoosick Falls.
The Livestock Auction Committee would like to thank all of our bidders and purchasers for their support. We would also like to thank our terrific auctioneer Patrick McLenithan from Cambridge Valley Livestock Auction for donating his time and talent. Our sponsors this year were Beckers Farm of Rensselaer, Hoosic Valley Farmers Exchange and Wiley Brothers, both of Schaghticoke.
The Committee looks forward to holding many more successful auctions in the future. There are numerous life skills 4-H members strengthen through participation in the 4-H Livestock Auction. For more information on the Rensselaer County 4-H Livestock Auction or 4-H in Rensselaer County please contact Bernie Wiesen at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office of Rensselaer County at 518-272-4210.