Larimer County Fair Concludes with Livestock Auction

A Celebration of Youth, Responsibility, and Community

The Larimer County Fair came to a close on Wednesday with the annual Junior Livestock Sale, an event that has become a cherished tradition for young 4-H club members across the county. This sale allows children to showcase the animals they have raised from birth—whether they are calves, chicks, ducks, or other livestock—through a combination of judging and auction.

Brodi Schrader, an 11-year-old from Fort Collins, was seen giving her duck, Pansy, a loving kiss before entering the show ring during the fair’s Junior Livestock Sale at The Ranch in Loveland. Her cousin, Anabelle Gustafson, 8, watched closely, showing the kind of excitement and interest that often accompanies these events.

The auction itself was held after a complimentary lunch for buyers, which brought together many local businesses. It was a true stock auction, complete with traditional auctioneers calling out prices at a rapid pace, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and anticipation.

At the MAC Equipment Arena at The Ranch Events Complex, a variety of animals were displayed before a crowd. Cows, chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, sheep, and goats all made their way into the spotlight, with individual animals selling for hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars.

Braxton Schrader, a 14-year-old who lives on a sheep farm in Fort Collins, has previously won grand champion for his chickens. He has earned around $3,000 for three chickens over the past three years. “I’m a sucker for animals,” he said, reflecting on his five-year involvement with the auction. “I love critters, and the money’s nice.”

Students are responsible for raising their own animals, and the earnings from previous sales often help fund feed, medicine, and other expenses for the next year’s animal. This cycle not only teaches financial responsibility but also reinforces the value of hard work and dedication.

Chickens raised by Braxton Schrader sat in a wagon as Owen Engelhardt, 14, guided his steer, Roger, to the show ring. These moments highlight the hands-on learning experience that the fair provides, where students gain practical knowledge through direct involvement.

The purpose of the livestock sale goes beyond just selling animals. It is designed to encourage young 4-H club members to develop a strong work ethic, learn financial management and bookkeeping skills, and take on greater responsibility. These lessons are invaluable and often shape the future paths of these young individuals.

Whitley Schwietzer, 13, won grand champion for her steer, Malibu, who was born on her property in Wellington last March. She has spent over a year feeding, cleaning, and caring for the now 1,399-pound animal. She has also raised goats and submitted her first pig to the auction last year.

“It’s a long process every day,” she explained, describing the routine of feeding, walking, and “blowing” the hulking creature. She likened the process of blowing the animal to blow-drying your own hair, a task meant to clean off any particulates and keep Malibu’s coat shiny.

Leo Haug, 9, was showing his sheep, Harold, alongside his 12-year-old brother Thomas’ sheep, Harry Potter. “I just like the outdoors,” Leo said, capturing the spirit of many participants who find joy in working with animals and being part of the community.

Whitley Schweitzer of Wellington, 13, posed for a photo with her steer, Malibu, during the Larimer County Fair Sale at The Ranch in Loveland. Whitley and Malibu won grand champion market beef during the fair.

Thomas Haug, 11, was seen getting his sheep named Harry Potter ready for the show ring during the Larimer County Fair Junior Livestock Sale at The Ranch in Loveland. His little brother, Leo Haug, 9, kept an eye on his sheep, Harold, showing the teamwork and family involvement that often characterize these events.

These stories reflect the deep connection between the youth, their animals, and the broader community. The Larimer County Fair serves as more than just a celebration of agriculture—it's a platform for growth, learning, and the development of essential life skills.