Market stock sale grosses nearly $259,000

More than 200 steers, hogs, and lambs were auctioned at the 2012 Northwest Montana Fair’s Market Stock Sale on Saturday, grossing nearly $259,000.

Local 4-H and FFA members sold a total of 26 steers, 132 hogs, and 48 lambs to local businesses and residents. This year’s stock sale grossed about $7,000 less than last year’s sale, although average price per pound was higher in all three categories this year.

Beef sold for an average of $2.61 per pound, up six cents per pound over last year.

Hogs sold for an average of $4.39 per pound, up 20 cents per pound.

Lambs sold for an average of $4.60 per pound, up three cents per pound.

“The community really came out to support the efforts of these students,” said Justin Heupel, FFA advisor and agriculture education teacher for Kalispell’s School District 5.

He said the students are not only learning about agriculture, but also strengthening their work ethic and gaining valuable business skills.

This year’s champion animals are as follows:

Champion Market Beef raised by Carter Krantz of Kalispell and purchased by Diamond Plumbing and Heating for $6,430. The animal weighed 1,286 pounds and sold for $5 per pound.

Reserve Champion Market Beef raised by Destiny Brewer of Kalispell and purchased by Super 1 Foods in Evergreen for $4,620. The animal weighed 1,232 pounds and sold for $3.75 per pound.

Champion Market Hog raised by Lineesa Abernathy of Kalispell and purchased by Les Schwab Tire in Kalispell for $1,360. The hog weighed 272 pounds and sold for $5 per pound.

Reserve Champion Market Hog raised by Andrew Bratz of Kalispell and purchased by Dale Braaten for $1,397. The hog weighed 254 pounds and sold for $5.50 per pound.

Champion Market Lamb raised by Karly Hanson of Kalispell and purchased by Western Outdoor and Norm’s News for $1,474. The lamb weighed 134 pounds and sold for $11 per pound.

Reserve Champion Market Lamb raised by Lauren Falkner of Columbia Falls and purchased by Les Schwab Tire in Whitefish for $1,164.50. The lamb weighed 137 pounds and sold for $8.50 per pound.

The annual Market Stock Sale is sponsored by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s Agribusiness Committee.