ROME TOWNSHIP – Numbered bidders raised their hands in record strength this year at the Lawrence County Fair’s market sales.

Sunday, July 15, 2001

ROME TOWNSHIP – Numbered bidders raised their hands in record strength this year at the Lawrence County Fair’s market sales.

"We’re very pleased," said 4-H Extension agent Laura Jane Murphy. "The kids are getting good prices for their livestock."

The 2001 fair also marks the first year that two separate sales – one for small animals and one for the larger animals – have been held.

One sale day was getting lengthy, so rabbits, chickens and tobacco were sold at market on Friday night. Steers, hogs and lambs took the center ring Saturday morning.

Ms. Murphy called the split sales a success, saying new bidders came out and prices remained strong.

"The 4-H and FFA kids and their families want to thank the many people who always come out to support us at the sale," she said.

This year’s preliminary sales results:

STEERS

– Grand Champion, Ramsey Wilson, $3,710.70, $2.85 per pound for 1,302 pounds; purchased by Pickett Concrete and Bill Allen Construction.

– Reserve Champion, Travis Wilson, $3,432.00, $2.75 per pound for 1,248 pounds; purchased by Phillips Funeral Home.

HOGS

– Grand Champion, Michael Williams, $2,176, $8.50 per pound for 256 pounds; purchased by Ohio River Bank and Forth’s Food Fair.

– Reserve Champion, Christopher Reynolds, $1,757, $7.00 per pound for 251 pounds; purchased by Lambert, McWhorter and Bowling, Lambert’s Market, McDonald’s, Guy’s Floor Covering and Kirkpatrick Excavating.

LAMBS

– Grand Champion, Bridgette Williams, $2,079, $16.50 per pound for 126 pounds; purchased by Lambert, McWhorter and Bowling, and Guy’s Floor Covering.

– Reserve Champion, Latasha Hatfield, $1,230, $10.25 per pound for 120 pounds; purchased by Higgins Chevrolet.

RABBITS

– Grand Champion, Kyle Gilmore, $1,100; purchased by Ironton Vision Center.

– Reserve Champion, Ashley Smith, $550; purchased by the Lawrence County Republican Party.

CHICKENS

– Grand Champion, Jayson Pine, $500; purchased by Health Management Nursing Service.

– Reserve Champion, Danielle Spears, $300; purchased by the Lawrence County Republican Party.

TOBACCO

– Grand Champion, Jamie Caldwell, $400; purchased by State Rep. John Carey and Lawrence County Commissioner Jason Stephens.

– Reserve Champion, Kent Shipley, $350; purchased by King Burley, Phillip Morris and Lee Cade.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Market sales information is based on preliminary reports. Final sales information will be published in The Ironton Tribune at a later date.