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An unstable national economy had no apparent effect on the annual FFA State Ham, Bacon and Egg Show and Sale, held in Charleston March 9.

“Thanks to the continuing generosity of the bidders who support these educational programs, West Virginia students will have money to put toward next year’s projects, or money to help offset the cost of college,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “Nearly all the bidders show up year after year, and their support has helped a generation of young farmers.”

Proceeds from the state show totaled $36,769, nearly $750 more than the 2008 sale, and the fifth highest total in the history of the event. More than $1.1 million has been raised since it was started in 1941. Numerous county sales have provided an untold number of additional dollars for students.

County sales in 2009 also remained strong, according to Gene Walker, a special assistant with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) who works with school FFA programs.

The Grand Champion Ham at the state sale was produced by Nick Billeter of Tyler Consolidated High School and purchased by the Tate-Porter Family Automall for $3,325. Jenessa Kinkade of Valley High School produced the Grand Champion Bacon, which brought $1,750 from Gunnoe Farms LLC. Trevor Cummings of Roane County High School sold his Grand Champion Eggs to the Tate-Porter Family Automall for $2,000.

Kelley Flesher of Tyler Consolidated sold her Reserve Champion ham for $2,200 to Gunnoe Sausage Co. The Reserve Champion Bacon was produced by Ava Morris of Valley High and brought $1,800 from Kroger Mid-Atlantic. Brandon Ash of Roane County High sold his Reserve Champion Eggs to Fas-Chek for $2,500.

The show is sponsored annually by the Governor’s Office, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the West Virginia Department of Education and Carhartt. Ronald Morrison Auction Services and Resource Marketing, Inc. donated auctioneering services. For more information, visit www.wvffa.org.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

“The Basis of All Wealth is Agriculture.”

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