4-H auction brought good prices

After disappointing results last year, the annual 4-H market steer auction Saturday afternoon at the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society’s fall fair in Emo undoubtedly put some smiles on a lot of deserving young faces.
This year’s auction saw nearly half of the 28 animals on the block command prices close to the $2/lb range—in sharp contrast to last summer when some animals went for as low as $1/lb.
The top price went to “Ernie”—a hefty Simmental that commanded a hefty $2.36/lb for Matt McQuaker of Stratton.
McQuaker’s market steer also was the grand champion while Jock Gemmell, also of Stratton, earned reserve champion status.
Gemmell’s animal was purchased by local MPP Howard Hampton, who paid $2.14/lb for it.
Local 4-H leader Kim-Jo Bliss said she was pleased with the higher prices this year, as well as the attendance.
“I think it went just great . . . a super sale,” Bliss said yesterday from Atikokan. “It was nice to see the bounce from last year.”
Bliss attributed several factors to the improved prices, noting there were more people bidding this time around and that many of them were former 4-H members.
They understood first-hand how important the sale is to the young members—many of whom were counting on the money to help put them through college.
But there also was a sad note to this year’s auction. Long-time auctioneer Rod Salchert passed away in June and auction officials observed a moment of silence to remember the popular voice.
In addition, a special memorial plaque and tree were unveiled on the fairgrounds. As well, two special memorial awards were instituted in his name this year.
New auctioneer Rick LaPointe from Dryden acknowledged he had some big boots to fill before he began, but it turned out he had nothing to fear. His style and humour elicited not only plenty of bids, but plenty of laughs, too.
Bliss said she was most impressed with the work of the new auctioneer.
“He was just great,” she remarked. “We’ve already booked him for next year.”