By Kallie Jo Coates, Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation
WEST ALLIS, WI – Josie Lorentz of Woodville, Wisconsin took the top bid of $35,000 for her Grand Champion Steer (Crossbred) at the Wisconsin State Fair this year where the Fair ended a day early. The Wisconsin State Fair, which was set to occur from July 31 to August 10, was unexpectedly forced to end early on August 9, 2025, and cancel its final day due to flooding and the impacts of severe weather.
Youth in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry were the big winners at this year’s Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction (GBRLA), which raised an impressive $381,350 for junior livestock exhibitors at the Wisconsin State Fair.
The annual event, hosted by the Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation and Wisconsin State Fair officials, continues to celebrate and invest in the future of agriculture. This year, the GBRLA awarded $55,000 in scholarships and contributed an additional $30,000 to support Wisconsin State Fair Junior Exhibitor Showmanship, Knowledge Master Showman and Reserve Champion awards.
“Every year, I’m amazed by the generosity of our buyers, sponsors, and supporters,” said Jenny Gehl, President of the Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation. “The funds raised through the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction directly benefit Wisconsin State Fair youth livestock exhibitors. It’s incredible to see how this support helps them grow as leaders and future contributors to our ag community.”
In attendance were Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin State Fair CEO Shari Black, Wisconsin State Fair Park Chairman John Yingling, and Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Randy Romanski.
In true Wisconsin fashion, the evening was kicked off with entertainment from the UW-Madison Marching Band and Bucky Badger, which has become a popular tradition for auction attendees. The auction started off strong in the Coliseum with auctioneer Ryan Adams facilitating the sale of the Grand Champion Steer, exhibited by Josie Lorentz, which sold to Kenosha Beef International for $35,000.
Auction Results
Congratulations to all of the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Exhibitors who sold their animals in the 2025 Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction. Below is a list of some of the winning bids:
- Grand Champion Steer (Crossbred) exhibited by Josie Lorentz of Woodville, Winning bid of $35,000 by Kenosha Beef. Grand Champion Barrow (Crossbred) exhibited by Amanda Miklaszewski of Franksville, Winning bid of $22,500. Grand Champion Market Lamb (Hampshire) exhibited by Sydney Cherney of Wonewoc, Winning bid of $19,000. Grand Champion Market Goat (Boer) exhibited by Wyatt Nixon of Delavan, Winning bid of $14,000 by Molson Coors.
- Reserve Grand Champion Steer (Crossbred) exhibited by Chance Austin of Milton, Winning bid of $15,000. Reserve Grand Champion Barrow (Crossbred) exhibited by Logan Bennett of Durand, Winning bid of $15,000. Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb (Hampshire) exhibited by Wyatt Nixon of Delavan, Winning bid of $9,000. Grand Champion Bred and Owned Market Steer exhibited by Adam Massman of Alma Center, Winning bid of $16,000.
For a complete list of winning bids, Scholarships and Leadership Awards go to: gbrla.com.
The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction is more than a showcase of champion livestock — it’s a celebration of the young people who represent the future of Wisconsin agriculture. The Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to every buyer, sponsor, and supporter who contributed to this year’s success. Your generosity helps fuel education, leadership, and lifelong passion in the next generation. We look forward to raising the bar even higher in 2026.
Congratulations to Josie Lorentz of Woodville, Wisconsin who took the top bid of $35,000 for her Grand Champion Steer (Crossbred) at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair.
