For the first time ever the Geary County Free Fair Livestock and Project Auction was conducted online Thursday evening due to COVID-19. A total of 38 livestock and 32 projects were sold at auction with bidders participating in the virtual auction and a few in-person at the Geary County 4-h Center.
According to Chuck Otte, livestock premiums totaled $30,225, project premiums $9,040 for an overall premium total of $39,265. That was less than the past several years due to fewer items being auctioned but average livestock premiums were up from last year. Average livestock premium was $795.39 compared to $753.98 in 2019, while the average project premium of $282.50 was down from $320.13 in 2019.
The virtual auction was coordinated by Lori and Jason Brown and DVAuctons.com. Otte noted that their years of experience in online auctions and ongoing support were beyond remarkable, and without them this auction would not have been possible.
The Champion Market Hog belonging to Kacey Butler received a premium of $1,100 from AgriTrails Coop, the Champion Market Steer belonging to Tava Gustafson $1,100 from Central National Bank an the Memorial Market Hog that had belonged to the late Grady Erichsen $2,250 from the combined bidders of Holly Beck Century 21, PrairieLand Partners, and Kevin & Rosemary Harris.
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