The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction at the Wisconsin State Fair celebrated its 30th year by raising more than $100,000. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, which supports Wisconsin 4-H activities including 4-H conferences, teaching materials and workshops, and overall development of 4-H youth.
“Enthusiastic 4-H supporters made for an exciting evening,” says Wisconsin 4-H Foundation Executive Director Brenda Scheider. “Seeing our 4-H youth and adult volunteers working next to our generous donors really brings home what 4-H is all about.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Randy Romanski, DATCP Secretary, kicked off the sale by encouraging
the standing-room-only audience to bid high and bid often. Mistress of Ceremonies Pam Jahnke, radio and TV personality, introduced outstanding 4-H members and special guests before Hostess Nicole Barlass, Sheboygan Falls, and Auctioneer Bob Johnson, Milton, sold 28 Champion, Reserve Champion and Honorable Mention meat products.
Wisconsin State Fair Chairman of the Board John Yingling presented the 2022 Dennis Buege Best of Show
Award to meat processor Eden Meat Market of Eden. Eden Meat earned the honor for its champion entry in the snack sausage division. It sold to a consortium of Crave Brothers Cheese, Harry Hansen Meat Service, Gibbsville Implement, Wisconsin River Meats and Egg Innovations for $5,000.
A three-foot, Wisconsin-shaped summer sausage created by Kewaskum Foods of Kewaskum was purchased by Kewaskum Foods for $3,200 who then donated the sausage back and it was resold for $3,000 to Hartmann Sand and Gravel. Guest Auctioneer selling this specialty item was Ozaukee County 4-H member Maria Lee, who learned to call through a county 4-H program.
Meijer broke two records when they purchased the champion summer sausage created by Lodi Sausage
Company and Meat Market of Lodi for $4,250 (former record was $3,600 set in 2018) and the champion beef jerky created by Eden Meat Market of Eden for $4,600 (former record was $4,500 set in 2018). The highest selling item was the first item sold – the champion bacon created by Louie’s Finer Meats of Cumberland that sold for $5,500 to Willow Road Self Storage of Lake Geneva.
The auction is produced in partnership with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, Wisconsin State Fair and the
Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors (WAMP).
The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, based in Madison, WI, provides essential funding for 4-H programs throughout Wisconsin. By partnering with individuals, corporations and foundations, the Foundation supports more than 150,000 youth who take part in various 4-H leadership, developments, and community-building activities throughout the state. Learn more about the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation by visiting www.Wis4HFoundation.org .
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