4-H Meat Products Auction Celebrates Winning Producers, Raises Almost $100,000 for Youth Programming

Posted on August 28, 2026 by

The 34th annual Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction continues to support 4-H members, clubs, and families across Wisconsin, raising $92,300 this month at its State Fair event that saw participation from champion meat producers, 4-H advocates, and other longtime supporters of youth development.

Youth auctioneer Rebecca Gierach, a 14-year member of Ozaukee County 4-H (center) facilitated a record bid at the 34th annual Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction. The Best of Show Award was given to Dave Adams of Wilson Farm Meats. Pictured from left to right are Becky Merwin, Justin Corman, Amber Corman, Rebecca Gierach, Dave Adams of Wilson Farm Meats, Sherri Adams, and Jeff Schmalfeldt.

The 2026 Meat Products Auction, organized by UW–Madison Extension in conjunction with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, broke two bidding records. One record bid was facilitated by the auctioneering talent of Rebecca Gierach, youth auctioneer and a 14-year member of Ozaukee County 4-H. The Blue Ribbon Host for the Youth Auctioneer, Compeer Financial, also held discussions at the event with youth members of the Wisconsin 4-H Ambassador Teams for Ag and Leadership.

Proceeds from the Meat Products Auction support Wisconsin 4-H efforts by expanding access and reducing barriers to high-quality youth programming in our state’s communities. 

“The generous donations to 4-H are a key part of how we create new opportunities and new ways to get involved in youth programming across Wisconsin,” said Jessica Jens, UW–Madison Extension Assistant Dean and Director of its Positive Youth Development Institute. “All of the Meat Products Auction participants deserve a huge thanks for a successful event that brought together youth members of 4-H and the companies and families that help 4-H clubs and families thrive.”

Grand Champion Winners and Buyers

  • Flavored Bacon Grand Champion: Pingel Processing, Shawano; bought by Steve Sazma, Saz’s Hospitality Group, for $3,000
  • Bone-In Ham Grand Champion: Wilson Farm Meats, Elkhorn; bought by Becky Merwin, Merwin Farms, for $7,500
  • Summer Sausage Grand Champion: Geiss Meat Service, Merrill; bought by Jenny Martin, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, for $4,000
  • Snack Sausage Grand Champion: Geiss Meat Service, Merrill; bought by Pat Murphy, Ultimate Confections, for $2,750
  • Specialty Cooked Bratwurst Grand Champion: Leroy Meats, Fox Lake; bought by John Brunnquell for $6,000 – this was a new record bid for Specialty Cooked Bratwurst
  • Specialty Cured Meat Product Grand Champion: Wilson Farm Meats, Elkhorn; bought by Adams Farms for $5,700 – this was a new record bid for Specialty Cured Meat Product
  • Best of Show Award: Grand Champion Bone-in Ham from Wilson Farm Meats; bought by John Hromyak, Compeer Financial, for $4,250