As the final bids echoed through the Case IH Coliseum at Wisconsin State Fair Park on Aug. 12, the spotlight appeared to be on champion steers, barrows, lambs and goats. But for the young people leading those animals through the sale ring, the night represented something much bigger: the reward for months of early mornings, long days in the barn and lessons that extend far beyond livestock.
The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction raised more than $403,000 this year, but the impact of the event reaches well beyond the dollar total. Through scholarships, grants and exhibitor awards, the auction helps Wisconsin youth continue projects that teach responsibility, recordkeeping, problem-solving and leadership, while opening doors to educational opportunities and future careers in agriculture.
Hosted by the Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation in partnership with Wisconsin State Fair, the annual event brought together buyers, businesses, agricultural organizations and community supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of Wisconsin youth and invest in their future.
“The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction represents so much more than a sale of champion animals. It reflects the countless hours of work, dedication and passion Wisconsin’s junior exhibitors invest in their projects and the community’s commitment to their success,” said Jenny Gehl, president of the Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation. “The generosity of our buyers, sponsors and supporters helps young people pursue their educational goals, develop leadership skills and continue their involvement in Wisconsin agriculture.”
The proceeds generated through the Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation help ensure those opportunities remain accessible to the next generation. In 2026, the foundation awarded $57,000 in scholarships, launched a new Youth Impact Grant program that distributed $22,500 to livestock project participants and provided $30,000 in junior exhibitor awards, reinforcing its mission to support young people both in and beyond the show ring.
During the evening, attendees further demonstrated their commitment to Wisconsin youth, raising a combined $4,150 through the paddle raise and silent auction to support and advance the Foundation’s mission.
Ready, set, begin bidding!
Among those supporting the accomplishments of Wisconsin State Fair junior exhibitors were Wisconsin businesses, families and agricultural leaders. Among those in attendance were Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Wisconsin State Fair Park Board Chairman John Yingling, Wisconsin State Fair CEO Shari Black, and Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Auctioneer Ryan Adams kicked off the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction in the Wisconsin State Fair Park Coliseum as he introduced the Grand Champion Steer, exhibited by Kallie Whitley of Sturtevant. The crossbred steer was sold to Statewide Fencing and Interstate Parking Company for $32,500.
Brayden Bowers of Belmont was a two-time grand champion, selling his crossbred barrow to Molson Coors and Beer Capitol Distributing for $19,000 and his grand champion crossbred market lamb to highest bidder Meijer for $14,000.
Grand Champion Market Goat exhibited by Ella Opper of Elkhorn, sold her boer goat for $9,000 to Bunzel’s, Leff’s Lucky Town, Blue Moon Tavern, Dale Z’s, Trawicki Electric, Kelso-Burnett Electric, Lynn & Todd Minkin, Hot House Tavern, Zimmerman Architectural Studio, Harwood Engineering, Ironwood Golf Course, Swag Promotions, Barbiere’s Pizza, Ultimate Confections, and Krautland – Ron & Karla Schurman.
Other champions featured in the auction include:
Scholarship recipients recognized
The following junior market livestock exhibitors were awarded Livestock Auction Scholarship:
$5,000 recipient – Elliott Small, Watertown
$3,000 recipients – Natalie Rieth, Oconto Falls; Bryndalyn Kanable, Richland Center; and Blake Brancel, Endeavor
$2,000 recipients – Maggie Mindemann, Watertown; Olivia Tomko-Santos, Menasha; Addison Wille, Holmen; Alison Gartman, Sheboygan; Mariah Schwartz, New Lisbon; Rita Achenbach, Eastman; and Adam Capatske, Ellsworth.
$1,000 recipients – Kaden Butts, Evansville; Macie Casper, Alma Center; Brynlea Crull, Evansville; Morgan Eng, Fitchburg; Owen Fleming, Janesville; Aubrey Ganhs, Elkhorn; Maddison Gratz, Darlington; Kaitlin Hackbarth, Sussex; Nadia Harrig, Howard; Kayden Hockerman, Westfield; Max Klussendorf, Medford; Jessica Lindow, Chili; Jalyn Loehrke, Pine River; Josie Lorentz, Woodville; Cameron Patterson, Mineral Point; Ellie Peterson, Evansville; ; Irina Pitzen, Cuba City; Karisa Ridgman, Dousman; Audra Sandberg, Augusta; Cierra Schnell, Bonduel; Addison Schubert, Fredonia; Otto Schultz, Waupaca; Tateum Speich, Evansville; Noah Spoelstra, Amherst; Vivian Stahl, Whitewater; Makayla Staudinger, Potter; Keegan Steinke, Orfordville; Levi Vosberg, Cuba City; and Mia Wilks, Union Grove.
Youth Impact Grant Program
New in 2026, the Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation recognized Youth Impact Grant recipients during the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction, and awarded $22,500.
The Youth Impact Grant helps reduce financial barriers for youth participating in the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Livestock Shows. By providing financial support for beef, swine, sheep and meat goat projects, the program expands access to hands-on agricultural experiences that build responsibility, animal care, record-keeping, leadership and communication skills, the Wisconsin State Fair Foundation reported.
Through the program, the Foundation is strengthening youth involvement in livestock production and investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Beef: Kaelee DeRemer, Janesville; Ruby Fallos, Rib Lake; Natalie Rasmussen, Hancock; and Josie Varney, Dane. Market Goat: Peyton Greving, Sullivan; and Maycee Wells, Rio. Sheep: Cassidy Crooks, Lancaster; Ethan Fitzpatrick, Holmen; and Alicia Schroeder, Freedom. Swine: Elizabeth Murray, Mukwonago; Andrew Reich, Mishicot; and Makayla Staudinger, Potter.
The auction may celebrate champion livestock, but its true legacy is the young people behind them. Long after the fair ends, the experiences, friendships and opportunities gained through these projects continue to shape the next generation of Wisconsin agriculture.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Governor’s Blue Ribbon Auction builds future ag leaders
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer | USA TODAY Network
