Monday, September 16, 2024
OKANOGAN—Despite the high heat, the 77th annual Okanogan County Fair brought out the best from local FFA chapters in Brewster and Pateros. Nearly two dozen exhibitors turned out with swine, sheep, a steer, poultry, and a rabbit.
The livestock exhibitors were among other youngsters who shared more than $500,000 from bidders who purchased the show animals.
“I was very impressed with our students at the Okanogan County Fair,” said Pateros Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor Brevin Evenson. “These students worked very hard over the summer to prepare for this event, and it really showed throughout the week. All of our showmen earned at least blue ribbons while we had quite a few callbacks as well,”
Pateros FFA exhibitors included:
Swine:
Zayne Ravenstein
Payton Ravenstein
Stevie Simmons
Addison Henton
Kendra Dial
Lily Dial
Sheep:
Kassidy Wilfong
Nevelyn Wilson
Rabbit:
Kendra Dial
“In the sheep barn, we were able to see two students - Nevelyn Wilson and Kassidy Wilfong - win grand champion in the intermediate and senior divisions,” said Evenson. “This was Nevelyn Wilson’s first year showing in the sheep ring, and we were very excited and happy to see her win showmanship. The time and effort she has put into her craft is second to none.”
Wilfong has had an exemplary high school Ag career.
“For Kassidy Wilfong winning is nothing new. She embodies the qualities and intensity every exhibitor wants,” said Evenson. “Kassidy received grand champion in all categories she competed in, this being her last and final fair experience,” said Evenson. “We are so happy to see her success.”
Wilfong will now put all her focus and attention on her state officer duties serving as 2024-2025 State FFA Sentinel.
“All of our students represented our community with the utmost pride and professionalism,” said Evenson. “If you were around, you noticed the presence of our students around the fairgrounds.”
Brewster shines
“The fair seemed to run pretty smoothly this year,” said Brewster Ag Education Instructor Natasha Moffitt-Hemmer. “The new swine barn superintendents did a fantastic job.”
Brewster exhibitors and awards included:
Preston T. (market pig - 2 blues, 2 call backs).
Bronson B. (market pig - 2 blues).
Grace B. (market pig- 2 blues, 1 call back).
Emma G. (breeding gilt - 2 blues, 1 call back, and a reserve grand champion).
Sam A. (market pig - 2 blues).
Milan S. (market pig - 2 blues).
Paige W. (market steer 1 blue, 1 red 1 call back).
Miguel A. (market lamb - 2 blues).
Alex R. (chicken -1 blue).
Chris T. (chicken - 1 blue).
Kimber R. (market pig - 2 blues).
Second hay judging team.
Third livestock judging team.
Third produce judging team.
Buyers appreciated
“The auction prices held out pretty well this year,” said Moffitt-Hemmer. “I think the heat got to people towards the end, and there were a lot less bidders. I was hoping to see higher prices on the lambs, but our Brewster kids are always really well supported, and we are grateful for our business support.”
Bidders and purchasers included:
Okanogan Valley Concrete
Hawkins and Franco Orchards
VIP Insurance
Brewster Les Schwab
Jeni Boesel
Erlandsen and Associates
Morgan and Sons
Brewster Support Group
Gebbers Farms
Jodi Gebbers and Nathan and Andie Sites
Crane Ranch
Cass and Alicia Gebbers
Gamble and Crane Orchards
Brewster Veterinary Clinic
Chelan Fresh Marketing
Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media
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