By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent LEBANON, Ohio — They came from as far away as Nova Scotia, Canada and Texas with the intent on selling or buying prized donkeys. And many of the animals they were bidding on cost more than the trucks and vans used to haul them.
Sixty-two consignors converged at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ohio last month for the fifth annual Great American Miniature Donkey Sale. This sales ranks as one of the top five such sales in the country. There were many veterans in the crowd and several first-time buyers.
“We just built a house on seven acres in Corbin, Ky. and wanted to put something on the land,” John Henson said. “We did some research on the Internet, and this seemed to be a perfect match. These animals are just beautiful and make great pets.”
Although this year’s sale didn’t match last year’s record sale of $25,000, more were bought or sold for as little as $2,500.
“We have one of the smaller herds around,” said Betty Stegemoller of Lebanon. “We have 22 on our premise, and you just can’t keep ’em all. We spend as much time on these as we would the horses. But the feeding is much simpler and we have very little veterinarian needs.”
Not surprising some donkeys fetched top price. Larry and Kathy Van Epps of Wisconsin left Ohio with a special longhair donkey they paid $7,500 for.
“We had one similar to this one and wanted another one,” Kathy said. “When looking for these animals, we’re looking for one that is pleasing to the eye and one with good conformation.”
This farm news was published in the Aug. 8, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. |
