2025 Iowa State Fair Sale of Champions Sets 4-H, FFA Records

The annual Iowa State Fair Sale of Champions once again proved to be a showcase of Iowa’s finest youth exhibitors, championship livestock, and the strong community support that sustains the future of agriculture in the state. Managed by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, the sale features standout 4-H and FFA exhibitors auctioning off their Grand and Reserve Grand Champion animals at the Penningroth Media Center during the Sale of Champions. 

This year’s champions brought record-breaking results in the show ring and at the auction block. Klaire Shanks led the way with her Grand Champion 4-H Market Steer, which sold for a record-breaking $100,000, while Chloe Rodgers followed with the Reserve Champion Steer, earning $75,000.

Brock Bowman’s 4-H Champion Heifer tied the record-setting steer total, selling for $100,000. The swine division brought equally impressive bids, with Grand Champion 4-H Market Hog exhibitor Hollyn Rieck earning $36,000, Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Market Hog exhibitor Joe Stien bringing in $31,000, Grand Champion FFA Market Hog Grant Petty selling at $40,000, and Reserve Grand Champion FFA Market Hog Caleigh Lewis surpassing all expectations at $52,000.

The sheep and goat exhibitors also saw tremendous support from buyers and donors. Carsen Nooman’s 4-H Champion Lamb sold for $30,000, while Waylen Gemberline’s Grand Champion FFA Lamb reached $48,000. In the goat division, Brody Moeller’s Grand Champion 4-H Goat sold for $22,500, closely matched by Kyra Struve’s Grand Champion FFA Goat at $22,000. These sales reflect not only the quality of the livestock but also the commitment of exhibitors who devote months of care and preparation to their animals.

The Sale of Champions model ensures that the benefits extend well beyond the auction ring. Exhibitors keep 80 percent of the proceeds from their animal’s sale, while the remaining 20 percent is retained by IFAA to fund scholarships and awards for future participants. Each exhibitor also works to secure sponsorships from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, which serve as the starting bid at the auction. This unique structure creates a cycle of investment that directly supports youth education and leadership in agriculture.

State leaders including Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Agriculture also noted the importance of the sale and show. 

While only 16 exhibitors have the opportunity to sell their animals during the sale, the reach of the program is far wider. Each year, IFAA also provides 43 additional awards for breed champions and other outstanding youth, ensuring that achievement and hard work across the Fair are celebrated.

Together, the auction proceeds, scholarships, and awards form a powerful foundation that invests in Iowa’s next generation of agricultural leaders.