The 34th annual Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction continues to support 4-H members, clubs, and families across Wisconsin. This year, raising $92,300 at its State Fair event. The event saw participation from champion meat producers, 4-H advocates and other longtime supporters of youth development.
The 2026 Meat Products Auction, organized by UW–Madison Extension in conjunction with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, broke two bidding records. One record bid was facilitated by the auctioneering talent of Rebecca Gierach, youth auctioneer and a 14-year member of Ozaukee County 4-H. The Blue Ribbon Host for the Youth Auctioneer, Compeer Financial, also held discussions at the event with youth members of the Wisconsin 4-H Ambassador Teams for Ag and Leadership.
Proceeds from the Meat Products Auction support Wisconsin 4-H efforts by expanding access and reducing barriers to high-quality youth programming in our state’s communities.
Grand Champion Winners and Buyers
- Flavored Bacon Grand Champion: Pingel Processing, Shawano; bought by Steve Sazma, Saz’s Hospitality Group, for $3,000
- Bone-In Ham Grand Champion: Wilson Farm Meats, Elkhorn; bought by Becky Merwin, Merwin Farms, for $7,500
- Summer Sausage Grand Champion: Geiss Meat Service, Merrill; bought by Jenny Martin, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, for $4,000
- Snack Sausage Grand Champion: Geiss Meat Service, Merrill; bought by Pat Murphy, Ultimate Confections, for $2,750
- Specialty Cooked Bratwurst Grand Champion: Leroy Meats, Fox Lake; bought by John Brunnquell for $6,000 (new record bid for Specialty Cooked Bratwurst)
- Specialty Cured Meat Product Grand Champion: Wilson Farm Meats, Elkhorn; bought by Adams Farms for $5,700 (new record bid for Specialty Cured Meat Product)
- Best of Show Award: Grand Champion Bone-in Ham from Wilson Farm Meats; bought by John Hromyak, Compeer Financial, for $4,250
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