RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock Sale of Champions raised a record $234,000 in bids for the top steers, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys in the sale on Oct. 25.
The reserve grand champion junior market lamb was shown by Darci Boucher of Columbia. The top bid of $13,000 came from N.C. Farm Bureau Insurance and Agri Supply Co.
Jane Jennings of Camden showed the grand champion junior market barrow. The winning bid of $18,500 came from Hog Slat Inc., N.C. Pork Council, Prestage Farms, Smithfield Foods and Agri Supply Co., with additional support from Land of Promise Farms.
“The Sale of Champions not only gives us an opportunity to recognize the winners in the N.C. State Fair junior livestock shows, but a portion of every winning bid also goes to scholarships available to all junior livestock show participants,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Congratulations to all those livestock participants and winners, and thanks to all the bidders who make the sale possible.”
Grand and reserve grand champion winners receive money from the sale, and a portion of the bids also goes into a scholarship fund that participating youth can apply for to help pay for higher education. Because of strong support for the 2025 sale, 32 scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded in the spring of this year.
In other Tyrrell County news, Jackie Woolard Stroud retired Friday after 32 years as Executive Director of the Partnership for the Sounds, closing a career that shaped cultural and environmental education across northeastern North Carolina.
David Clegg, Chairman of the Partnership’s Board, presented Stroud with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of Gov. Josh Stein. The honor is one of the state’s highest recognitions for distinguished service.
Under Stroud’s leadership, the Partnership grew to operate several regional attractions, including the Tyrrell County Visitor Center, the Columbia Theatre Cultural Resources Center and Scuppernong River Roaming. The organization also runs the North Carolina Estuarium in Washington and the Roanoke-Cashie River Center in Windsor, and offers river excursions on the Cashie and Pamlico rivers.
Clegg praised Stroud’s work beyond the Partnership, citing her service to the community as a faith leader and in charitable work.
Lastly, when the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners meets Tuesday, the agenda includes a public hearing on a proposed tax-exempt bond financing.
Gene Boger and Eric Roughton will also ask the board to discuss a letter of support for Senate Bill 193.
Let us know what you think by leaving a comment. Comments are subject to approval.