Posted: 08.12.2010

Bob Johnson of Milton is running on short sleep this Thursday morning, after helping to orchestrate another successful meat animal auction at the Wisconsin State Fair.

In a live interview with Pam Jahnke on Thursday morning - Johnson admitted that prices reflected a tough economy, and cautious buyers.  On the up side, Johnson said it was one of the biggest crowds ever to attend the event!  "It was a huge crowd, probably one of the biggest crowds we've had at the governors sale in a long, long time."  Johnson credited the presence of some high profile UW-Madison athletes as one crowd draw.  Former Badger, Ron Dane was on hand, along with former UW-Athletic Director, Pat Richter.

What about prices?  "Ya, we didn't set any records last night," Johnson said, "But on the other hand, a lot of the other exhibitors that showed, like the breed champions, had bids that were equal to previous years if not a little higher."

What about future plans for the Red, White, and Blue Ribbon sale.  "Next years sale starts today," Johnson said.  The auction committee will be meeting Thursday at State Fair Park to discuss Wednesday evenings results, and begin constructing plans for next years sale.  What seems to be key in trying to get people to attend - and more importantly, to get new bidders involved?  First, Johnson believes, is timing.  He said that they will begin contacting potential buyers now so that they can budget State Fair purchases in their budget for next year. 

Johnson also is well aware of the competition for these buyers by other groups that use the state fair as their auction platform. "Let's face it, we've got the WI Meat Processors sale, the Cheese and Butter auction - so there's just a lot of groups trying to raise money to support youth.  From that standpoint, there's some work that has to be done."  Despite all that competition - Johnson is not asking for any changes from the state fair, or any curtailing of those auction activities.  "Now, it's been a long time tradition and a long time trend.  Certainly each organization there has a certain group that supports their efforts. From my standpoint, it's all good.  You just have to look at the economic times we're in - and do the best with what you've got."

The total sales receipts for Wednesday nights auction came in just under $119,000 when you factor in not just animal sales - but new prize package items that were auctioned off as well.

For the fourth year in a row - Brock May of Mineral Point had the champion steer - which sold for $15,000.
Tierney Reilley of Shullsburg had the champion lamb that sold for $4,000, and the champion hog was exhibited by Brady Tibbets of Mineral Point.  The hog was purchased by a syndicate of buyers for $6,000.

Listen to Bob Johnson's live interview with Pam Jahnke HERE.

« back to news articles