MITCHELL, Neb. – It was another successful year for participants in the 2017 Scotts Bluff County Junior Livestock Sale. With fewer animals in the sale this year, buyers still spent $320,708 on 211 head of livestock.
“We kind of knew this was coming,” sale co-chairman Kate Schmer said Tuesday morning. “With the economy the way it is, a lot of families who used to bring animals were not there this year. We hope they come back.”

In spite of 30 fewer animals, and a lower sale total, Schmer said the average per animal was up.
“We’re glad the community came out to support the kids,” Schmer said, adding that there were a number of new businesses interested in buying the project animals.
“The main thing is the kids were happy and pleased,” she said.
Schmer also praised the team from Fisher Roofing and Restoration who made the 480 breakfast burritos that were served to buyers and the sale audience. First National Bank sponsored the burritos project. The annual sale breakfast was served in the north end of the livestock pavillion prior to the sale, and will be there again in 2018, according to Schmer, who along with her husband, Dustin, chair the traditional junior livestock sale preparations.