The 2026 Sale of Champions livestock auction once again wrapped up the Ohio State Fair. Ohio Farm Bureau, along with partners Bob Evans Farms and Nationwide, purchased the Grand Champion Market Barrow exhibited by Parker Elchinger of Henry County.
The Grand Champion Market Barrow sold for $50,000. Elchinger received $13,000 from the sale, with the remaining $37,000 going to the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program. In full, the 2026 auction raised a total of $396,500, with $267,500 going to the Youth Reserve Program.
Established in 1995, the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program was developed to reward junior exhibitors who participate in the Ohio State Fair. Since its inception the program has awarded more than $5.6 million.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.
This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or rmatthews@ofbf.org.
Editors: A high-resolution photo for the Grand Champion Market Barrow is available for download.
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