Redcon Engineering and Red Direct Sweep Junior Market Livestock Hog Sale at Washington County Fair
WASHINGTON, PA, August 22, 2022 – Redcon Engineering was able to outlast a barrage of bidders to win the 2023 Grand Champion Market Hog at the Washington County Agricultural Fair last Saturday. The top-rated hog was raised by Parker Gardner of the Ten Mile 4-H Club. Bidding on behalf of Redcon was Becca Straight, wife of principal Keith Straight, P.E.. As a member of the Hickory Ag 4-H Club growing up, Becca showed market hogs for nine years.
“I personally know the tremendous amount of time and effort required to raise and show livestock for the fair. I’m glad to now be on the buyer’s side – it’s much easier,” said Becca.
Not to be outdone, Red Direct, the construction arm and sister company to Redcon Engineering, was able to outbid everyone to win the Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog. This hog was raised by Aubrie Logan of the Hickory Ag 4-H Club. Bidding on behalf of Red Direct was Ed Hirzel, P.E., president of the company. During high school, Ed was president of one of the largest Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters in the country. He also raised swine to show at his local county fair in Southern California.
“I’ve been a lifelong supporter of the FFA and agricultural education. I had a truly wonderful ag experience and it’s an honor to give back to these worthy organizations,” said Ed.
In addition to the hogs, Red Direct also purchased the Division III Reserve Champion Lamb raised by Maksim Petronka of the Buffalo Ag 4-H Club. All animals were donated back for re-sale with the proceeds going to scholarship funds benefitting 4-H and FFA members heading to college.
This year marked the fair’s 225th anniversary, making it the longest running fair in the state.
