Another strong year for Sonoma County Fair livestock auctions

Another strong year for the Junior Livestock Auction ended Friday evening when 77 steers were purchased by bidders at the Sonoma County Fair.

The Supreme Champion Steer was exhibited by Maria Bartlett of Sebastopol FFA. The 1,250 pound animal was purchased for $11 a pound by a group of buyers that included B&T Bartlett Farm Equipment, Joseph Camozzi, Cunningham Dairy, Cotati Large Animal Hospital, Plus One Professional, Water Connections and Constellation Brands.

Meanwhile, the 4-H Grand Champion Steer, the second animal to enter the auction ring, fetched a record price of $14 a pound. The 1,260 pound animal was shown by Cassidy Carroll of Annadel 4-H and purchased by Reuser Inc. and Doss Logistics. The former record of $13.50 a pound was set last year.

Auction officials late Friday were still tallying the total proceeds from the steer auction. But the earlier lamb, hog and other auctions together this year raised nearly $1.1 million. When the proceeds from the steer auction are included, the total is likely to approach, if not exceed, last year’s overall amount of $1.5 million.