Young tenders of their farm animals rake in cash at Westmoreland Fair auction

As a livestock auction got underway in a crowded barn at the Westmoreland Fair, 9-year-old Gunner Temple confidently approached potential bidders.

He shook their hands, introduced himself and explained his goal — the Mt. Pleasant Township boy intended to donate half the proceeds earned through the auction of his steer, Buck, to UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

When it was their turn to hit the ring, bids taken by an auctioneer continued to rise until Gunner earned enough to donate $3,465 from the steer’s sale in addition to $1,600 he had raised through an online fundraiser.

Gunner said he wanted to give back to a cause that is important to him.

“I’ve been there too many times,” he said.

Sammi Temple said she and husband Kyle are proud of their son’s philanthropy. She recalled holding an event for her high school senior project that also benefited the hospital foundation.

“He really liked the idea, so we rolled with it,” she said.

Gunner also earned several thousand more for two market lambs and a second cow, Temple said.

Cash flowed freely Saturday morning inside the crowded barn as huge fans pushed around air and lambs bleated.

Winning bids for nearly 200 lambs, goats, steer, poultry and swine came from local businesses and residents, as well as some state lawmakers. The youngsters who prepared the animals earned hundreds and, sometimes, thousands of dollars through the auction.

Penn State Extension livestock educator Dustin Heeter said the 4-H and Future Farmers of America members participating worked with the animals for months preparing for the fair and auction, calling it the culmination of their project. Over those months, in addition to hours they spend working with the animal, they reach out to potential buyers and learn about record keeping, marketing and public speaking.

“All of these animals have been raised by these young people,” he said. “The skills that they learn help to build better members of our communities, hands down.”

Some use the proceeds to create college funds or buy their first vehicle, he said. Others put the money they earn toward next year’s project.

Winning bidders could decide to donate the animal back, allowing a second bidding process and support to a nonprofit endeavor.

State Sen. Kim Ward and State Rep. Jill Cooper agreed they were excited to support the work of young people in the county.

Ward, who was the winning bidder of two lambs, said she’s attended the auction in the past and always donates her winnings back.

“These kids are our future for farming,” she said.

But it was Cooper’s first time at the livestock auction, and she got a little guidance from fellow State Rep. Eric Davanzo.

“I really don’t know what I’m doing, but I love my 4-H clubs,” she said.

Westmoreland Fair Queen Bailie Merichko, 17, estimated she has brought in $15,000 through the steer auction the past two years. She used the money to buy another animal and invest in show equipment.

The Salem girl was hoping to get $4 per pound Saturday for her 1,455-pound steer that won the beef and heavy weight divisions. Having champion titles like that can help drive up the bidding price, she said.

“People will do anything to help 4-H,” she said.

The proceeds will help her make a payment on her car and buy an animal for next year. While it can be hard to save and not spend, Merichko said the process helps teach her about budgeting and record keeping.

Attendance at the weeklong fair started slow with unfavorable weather forecasts but picked up to above average levels, board member Charlie Feightner said.

Nearly 10,000 people passed through the gates Friday, one of the best nights ever, he said. Saturday was the final day.

“We’re pleased with what we’re getting,” he said. “We didn’t have a washout any day, so we’re fortunate with that.”