The 28th annual heifer sale sponsored by Ontario Mennonite Relief Sale Inc. raised $202,000 for the relief and development work of Mennonite Central Committee.
That is the second highest amount ever for the sale which took place at David Carson Farms & Auction Services.
“In its 28 year history the sale has raised close to $4-million,” said Rick Cober Bauman, Executive Director of MCC Ontario. “MCC uses this money to fund a variety of relief, development and peace-building projects locally and internationally.”
The MCC is well known for its work in Wellington County in the aftermath of tornados over the years.
The sale consisted of 104 donated heifers, several lots of semen, 25 bales of straw, and other miscellaneous items. The heifers sold for a total of $182,525 (averaging $1,755 a head) while the semen, straw and other items sold for $6,758. Cash donations brought the sale total to $202,000.
Topping those at $5,000 was Earlen Dundee Cheecho, donated by the Mennonite Savings and Credit Union and purchased by Murrel Bauman DVM. Two heifers were donated by Roy Snyder & Associates and Murray Gerber. Fradon Lickblick Gerty was purchased by Irvin Cook for $3,700. Fradon Gold Gal sold for $3,000 and was purchased by Bill Haalstra.
Many people contribute to the success of the sale, said Clarence Diefenbacher, chairman of the sale committee. He extended special thanks to David Carson Farms and Auction Services for providing staff and facilities and to everyone who donated heifers, especially the over 20 first-time donors. Volunteers and buyers also received thanks.
Volume buyers included Heiferville (Laverne Martin) of Holstein, who purchased 38 head, David and Brad Carson of Listowel, who purchased 13 head and seven head respectively, Andy Alma of Smithville, who bought six head and Woodale Holsteins, of Drayton, who purchased five head.
Diefenbacher also credited corporate supporters, Farm Credit Canada and Royal Bank Canada who purchased animals and re-donated them.
