The State Fair of Virginia Youth Livestock Sale of Champions raised $93,725 in support of the fair’s long-standing commitment to youth.
The 2023 State Fair welcomed youth exhibiting market cattle, swine, goats and sheep for the opportunity to compete for scholarships and premiums at the annual Sale of Champions.
The sale celebrates the hard work of Virginia 4-H and FFA participants, and auction proceeds benefit the State Fair Youth Scholarship Fund and the fair’s continued support of youth across the commonwealth. And, Country ZEST wished to acknowledge several local standouts.
Grand Champion Market Beef, exhibited by Emma Jo Donnelly of Clarke County and purchased for $17,150 by Blair Construction, BMB Steel, Brandt, Cargill Protein, CFC Farm & Home Center, Chaz Schultz Realty LLC, Clearbrook Feed & Supply, Corteva/DuPont Pioneer, Custom Construction Management, D Scott Herndon Inc., Dwight Houff, Frank Graves, Knight Cattle, Performance Food Group, Sunnyside Farm, Virginia Club Calf Producers, Virginia Grain Producers Association, Virginia Seed Co., and Virginia Soybean Association.
Grand Champion Market Hog, exhibited by Jordan Kelly of Clarke County and purchased for $17,000 by BMB Steel, McGuire Woods LLP and Smithfield Foods.
“The Youth Livestock Show and Sale of Champions benefits so many worthy students, and we are thrilled that the community continues to show up and support this fundraising event,” said Marlene Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director. “The livestock shows and the Sale of Champions embody part of the State Fair Youth Development Board’s mission—to connect farmers, teachers, leaders and businesses in offering encouragement and recognition to Virginia’s youth as they participate in competitions and educational programs. And we are so grateful to our committees, volunteers, The Meadow Event Park staff and Virginia Cooperative Extension, who all play a part in this annual effort.”