Ohio fair raises $134K for youth

By Andi Anderson

The Ohio State Fair concluded with the Sale of Champions, raising $134,000 for the Virgil L. Stickler Youth Reserve Program, which supports agriculture programs for youth across the state.

The total sales this year amounted to $260,500, significantly boosting support for young participants in agriculture projects.

The top dollar amounts for animal exhibitors were exceeded, with any excess funds going to the Stickler Youth Program. This program, established in 1995, distributes funds among more than 20 scholarships, outstanding market exhibitor programs, breeding exhibitor programs, showmanship contests, skillathons, and various 4-H and FFA activities.

Adam Heffron, Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, praised the junior fair livestock exhibitors for their impressive work. He emphasized that the success of the fair and the sale would not be possible without the generous support of all dedicated buyers.

This year's Sale of Champions included the grand and reserve market beef, barrows, meat chickens, lambs, goats, turkey, and the grand champion Swiss cheese. The funds raised will be crucial in continuing to support and develop agricultural programs for youth in Ohio.

Some notable sales included the Grand Champion Market Beef exhibited by Annistyn Oszust from Tuscarawas County, purchased for $40,000 by The Kroger Company, Bob Evans Farms, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association.

The Grand Champion Market Barrow, exhibited by Kylie Locke from Clark County, was sold for $37,000 to Giant Eagle and Sugardale Foods.

The sale also featured the Grand Champion Market Lamb, exhibited by Ava Shroyer from Logan County, and purchased for $13,000 by The Kroger Company, Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association, and Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

Alec Genter from Fulton County sold the Grand Champion Meat Chickens for $21,000 to Giant Eagle and Springer Mountain Farms.

The 2024 Sale of Champions successfully supported the Stickler Youth Reserve Program, reinforcing the importance of youth involvement in agriculture and ensuring continued support for educational and developmental activities.

The 2025 Ohio State Fair is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 3, promising another year of celebration and support for Ohio's agricultural community.

Photo Credit: ohio-state-fair