The 71st Annual Greenbrier Valley 4-H & FFA Ham, Bacon and Egg Show and Sale was held on Friday, Mar. 18, and had 61 participants showcasing over 90 items for a sale totaling $123,768.53.
This program allows youth in FFA and 4-H to take their livestock project a step further, while turning them into young entrepreneurs.
Participants with poultry projects are trained to successfully raise a laying hen, as well as how to select a perfect dozen of eggs based on interior and exterior quality. Swine participants are instructed on the proper procedures and techniques to cure a ham and bacon taking their product from harvest to the dinner table. These carefully crafted products are then judged for quality and auctioned off to dedicated supporters of FFA and 4-H in the area.
With the combined support of parents, volunteers, local businesses, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, and WVU Extension, youth across Greenbrier and Monroe counties continue to expand their knowledge, master skills, and build character through the Ham, Bacon and Egg Program.
This year’s ham and bacon judge was Virgil Wilkens, a retired vocational agriculture instructor from Hundred High School in Wetzel County. Eggs were judged by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division.
Greenbrier and Monroe County 4-H and FFA would like to thank the following buyers: Kilcollin Dental, Farmers Home & Fire Insurance, Greenbrier Motor Company Inc., The Greenbrier hotel, Farm Credit of the Virginias, Greenbrier County Republican candidates including Delegate Mike Honaker, Robin Loudermilk, Greenbrier County clerk; Patrick Via, Greenbrier County prosecuting attorney; Vince Deeds-candidate for Wes Virginia state Senate; Blaine Phillips, candidate for Greenbrier County Commission; Jamie Baker, candidate for Greenbrier County Circuit Clerk; Ben Anderson, chairman Greenbrier County Republican Executive Committee; Greenbrier Physicians, Ed Delong Insurance, Monroe Insurance Group, 219 Service Center, Entrusted Auctions, Groves Farm, Bank of Monroe, Ironsides Animal Health, State Fair of West Virginia, State Farm Insurance- Sue Jefferies, Greenbrier Ford, Valley View Farm- Ian Dransfield, Hog Wild BBQ, Swift Level Fine Meats, James River Equipment, Aviagen Turkeys, Beech Ridge Energy, Greenbrier Chevrolet, Tractor Supply Company, Labor Solutions, Southern States, Robin Loudermilk-county clerk, Wilson Brothers, Dr. Sophia Sibold, Stacy Call Cattle Co., Smooth Ambler Spirits, Seneca Trail Animal Hospital, Rasman Walker – State Farm, Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, McDaniel Pre-Owned, Highlands Vet Clinic, Gary’s Garage, Caring Acres Farm, Martin & Jones, Vince Deeds for Senate 10th District, Valley Vet Clinic, Greenbrier Valley Outdoors, Andrew Vance, Jason Arthur, John Grim, Nancy Roles, and Highlands Vet Clinic. Sen. Stephen Baldwin also contributed to the sale.
Appreciation also goes to auctioneers Billy Morgan, Ben Morgan, Chub Warren, and Nick Wilson.
Thank you to this year’s sponsors: The State Fair of West Virginia, Greenbrier and Monroe 4-H, FFA chapters and advisors, Greenbrier and Monroe County Extension agents and staff, Lewisburg Lions Club, Monroe County 4-H Agriculture Club, and Jewell’s Market.
The Annual Greenbrier Valley 4-H and FFA Ham, Bacon and Egg Show and Sale will be held in March 2023.
Julian Arbuckle of Farmer’s Home & Fire Insurance purchased Autumn Radford’s Champion Ham. Radford is from the Greenbrier County WSS Barnyard Kids 4-H Club and Greenbrier East FFA. Radford’s ham went for $2,781 at the sale. Arbuckle also purchased Samantha Holliday’s Reserve Champion Ham for $2,618.00. Holliday is from the Greenbrier County Smoot Hilltop Smokies 4-H Club.
The Greenbrier Hotel represented by Executive Sous Chef Nick Jones purchased Emma Ballard’s Champion Bacon for $1,165.50. Ballard is from the Monroe County 4-H Agricultural Club and Monroe County. Jones also purchased Alexus Hill’s champion eggs. Hill is from the Greenbrier County Williamsburg Flying Falcons 4-H Club. Hill’s eggs were sold for $2,250.
Highland Vet Clinic represented by Sara Hylton DVM, Emily Graham DVM and Sherri Simmons purchased Lauren Ballard’s Reserve Champion Bacon. Ballard is from the Monroe County 4-H Agricultural Club and Monroe County FFA. Ballard’s bacon was sold for $1,086.40.
Nick Wilson and Entrusted Auctions purchased J.T. Williams’s Reserve Champion Eggs for $1,500. Williams is from the Greenbrier County Williamsburg Flying Falcons 4-H Club.
