From lambs, kids, chicks, kits and calves to sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits and cows, the 4-H exhibitors put their time and love into their livestock. At the end of the fair, they receive recognition and the life lesson of letting go.

Whether the animal proved itself as a grand champion during its week at the Decatur County Fairgrounds or earned a simple blue ribbon, local businesses pay top-shelf prices as donations to the 4-H process.

Sheep Superintendent Ellen Gauck said it was a good year for the sheep program. As a first-year program superintendent, she felt things went smoothly in the livestock building. She was also pleased with the results of the sheep portion of the sale. Hannah Gauck, a 10-year sheep project participant, was first to walk the auction floor with her lamb, with a high bid of $400 from Stuart Angus. LeAnn Power, who was announced as the winner of the carcass lamb on the rail competition, received $275 from Animal Medical Hospital.

Baili Ewing led off the goat sale with her Grand Champion Boer Wether, who was won for $600 by Saler Realty and CJ Robbins Construction. Megan Hoover earned $375 for her goat while Don Meyer Ford purchased Mollie Stephens’ goat for $250.

The swine sale was without a reserve champion, as it will be traveling to the State Fair. Emily Dieckmann still had a hog to sell, however. Her Grand Champion was won by Smith Implements with a price tag of $1,800. Brent Geis, a 10-year swine exhibitor, received $475 from Premier Ag for his hog, while first-year member Jacob Springmeyer got $400 for his from Pavey Stockyard.

Samantha Scranton’s Grand Champion poultry meat pen went for $750 while Blake Moore’s reserve garnered $275. April Fruchtnicht, a 10-year poultry exhibitor, said farewell to her birds for $350.

Before entering the auction ring, Grand Champion meat pen exhibitor Jennifer Redelman hoped the bidder for her rabbits would choose to simply give them back. Meghan Fullenkamp, whose rabbits sold to Premier Ag for $225, got just that wish. Redelman’s rabbits were won by Mainsource for $775. The Reserve Grand Champion, Sarah Rupp, got $675 for her bunnies from First Federal Savings and Loan.

Glendon Cox’s Grand Champion Beef Cow earned him $2,550 in the sale from Harvest Supermarket and Tops Hardware. Although the Reserve Champion for the beef division was not sold because it will be traveling to the State Fair, the Champion Maine-Angou took the second auction spot, selling for $1,025 to Evans Beef, CJ Robbins Construction, Stones Farm Service, New Point Stone Company and Shelby Group Insurance.

Brenda Crosby, whose bovine sold ninth in the auction, said she would miss the cow, who had come to be her buddy during the project. To alleviate her sorrow, she had already begun thinking of names for next year’s beef cattle.

Once the livestock building has been swept clean, the process will begin anew.