2010 fair draws over $580,000 in total sales

By Carrie A. Mizell

The 58th Annual Suwannee River Fair Livestock Show & Sale ended last Wednesday, as fat steers, feeder steers and hogs were auctioned off to the highest bidder, bringing in a 2010 total sales total of $580,097.24.
According to Marti Smith, fair secretary, the Suwannee River Fair Board of Directors were very grateful to the buyers in the community for coming through for the children, despite the tough economy. Though the total sale figure dropped from $607,000 in 2009, Smith explained that there were 48 fewer animals entered in the 2010 fair.
The Grand Champion Fat Steer, which was shown by Alyssa Hodge of Bell FFA, brought $7.75 per pound. Buyers of the fat steer were: Bell Family Health Care, Shamrock Sod, Carquest Auto Parts, Gilchrist County Supervisor of Elections Connie Sanchez, Custom Pine Straw, A-1 Pest Control, Capital City Bank, Smith Law Firm, Smith Asset Management, Akins Bar-B-Q, Akins Heating and Air, Sheree Lancaster, Gilchrist County School Board, Lyndsay Boland, Brett and KayLee Crawford, Trey Smith and Furst McNess.
Lowgan Daniels of Bell Middle FFA showed the Grand Champion Feeder Steer, which sold for $6.50 per pound. Buyers of that steer included: IS Ranch, 83 Farms, Bell Auto Parts, Reed Co., Jimmy Hodge Lawn Service, Gilchrist County School Board member Rob Rankin, Duke Lang, Furst McNess, Pam and Randy Music, The Wright Family and Wade Bullock.
Emily Smith of Chiefland showed the grand champion hog. Incidentally, Emily has ties to Gilchrist County. She is the granddaughter of Hamp and Jo Smith. On Wednesday morning, Emily sold her hog for $6.75 per pound to Levy County Property Appraiser Osborn “Oz” Barker, Chiefland Farm Supply, Tiner Repair Service, Perkins State Bank, United Fuels, White Ford, Napa of Chiefland, Suwannee Valley Veterinary Clinic and TMC Pediatrics of Chiefland.
Trenton FFA member Josh Leverette showed the Reserve Champion Fat Steer, which sold for $6.25 per pound. Buyers of the reserve champion included: Chiefland Farm Supply, Todd and Mae Bryant, Gilchrist County School Board, Lawanna Matthews, Smith Law Firm, Furst McNess, Gilchrist County Property Appraiser Damon Leggett, Hair Performance, Michael Osteen, attorney, The Ivy House, Gilchrist County Supervisor of Elections Connie Sanchez, IS Ranch, Howell and Sheree Lancaster, Trey Smith, Penny Langston and River Ranch.
The Reserve Champion Feeder Steer was shown by Zachary Music of Dixie County. The steer was sold for $6 per pound and buyers included: Michael Osteen, attorney, Liles Hardware, Ann Hodges CPA, Chris Osteen, Randall and Lovee Music, Dixie County Times, VanAernam Logging, Creekside Farm Supply, Dixie County Supervisor of Elections Starlet Cannon and Kings Tire and Oil.
Dixie Sr. FFA Chapter’s Reserve Champion Hog brought $13.25 per pound. Buyers of that chapter animal were Sanchez Farms, Dixie County Board of County Commissioners and Dixie County School Board.
The Suwannee River Fair’s annual awards program will be held on Thursday, April 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Chiefland Elementary School Cafetorium.Similar to the special assessment for road improvements that was passed in the Rolling Oaks community not long ago, the Spring Ridge special assessment would appear on residents’ annual property tax bill.