Update: Sale total from last night’s youth auction was $30,850. That is an average of $1,063 per animal. Thank you to the buyers for supporting the future of agriculture!
The energy was high, the bids were generous, and the youth of Rock Island County showed off the hard work they’ve poured into their animals all year at the 2025 4-H Livestock Auction. Held Friday evening at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds, the sale of champions was recorded live by WRMJ and will be replayed Saturday morning at 9 a.m.
The night opened with special recognition for two young agricultural leaders. Emma DeKeyrel and Laikyn Parchert were awarded the Brownfield Network Youth in Agriculture Award, recognizing their years of dedication to 4-H and FFA. Then came a heartfelt moment as Jennifer Peterson was honored with the Dave Hamerlinck Memorial Award for her exceptional support of 4-H programs.
And then—the bidding began.
Macy Hoag brought in the Grand Champion Beef and earned a winning bid of $1,500, thanks to Fairview Sale Barn and Blackhawk Bank and Trust.
Abigail Yoder followed with her Grand Champion Dairy Cow—“Don’t Blink”—which sold to Compeer Financial for $650. Yoder shared that “Don’t Blink” was calm during the week and even got to be shown in showmanship by a younger participant.
Dalton Carls drew attention with his Grand Champion Wether Goat. The Port Byron native leased the goat from a Rockridge student and made weekly visits to learn how to show it before bringing it home and preparing for the fair. The goat sold for $450 to Hoag Diesel Repair.
Lylah Franks, confidently commanding the show ring, earned $1,400 for her champion market lamb, purchased by CBI Bank and Trust. When asked what would happen to the lamb after the sale, Lylah said it would go back to its pen to relax with its friends—and maybe enjoy an extra scoop of feed.
Finally, Olivia Freyermuth closed the night strong with her Grand Champion Barrow, which went for $1,200 to Nutrien Ag. Olivia reflected on a great week of showing and is already looking ahead to the next big competition—the Throwdown.
The event not only showcased the dedication and grit of 4-H youth, but also the generosity of buyers and sponsors, with support from local businesses including MVP Auto Center, Diamond Ag, and Porter Hay Insurance.
Whether it’s a belt buckle, a ribbon, or a winning bid, the real reward is in the memories made and the lessons learned. Congratulations to all the young exhibitors who made the 2025 Rock Island County 4-H Livestock Auction one to remember.