Hours before Courtney Burr had to walk her market heifer, Spice, on the show rink Friday at the Johnson County Fair, she scratched Spice's stomach one last time and laid her head on her cow's back.

Stephanie Fisher of rural Iowa City gives her angus steer, “Sam,” a hug as she pets him Friday before their turn in the Livestock Auction ring at the Johnson County Fair. About 175 to 200 youths auctioned animals to nearly 100 buyers. Press-Citizen/Matthew Holst

"You grow to love them because you take care of them," said Burr, 11.

Burr said she spent about 2 1/2 hours every day with Spice.

The Lone Tree sixth-grader had Spice since March but had to let her go at the Livestock Auction on the fair's final day Friday.

The 250-pound heifer will be 30 minutes away from Burr at the Kalona Sale Barn, where she was sold for $1.50 a pound.

"There's a lot of tears," said Brent Wear, who has been auctioning at the fair for 25 years.

About 175 to 200 FFA or 4-H kids auctioned their cattle, hogs, rabbits, chickens, sheep and goats. The animals were purchased by about 75 to 100 buyers.

Consumer Co-op of Iowa City goes to the Livestock Auction every year and bought more than 10 animals Friday.

Coming Monday • Special section will list complete Johnson County 4-H Fair results.

"We come to support the kids who work hard on the projects," said Consumer Co-op grain merchandiser Jerry Keleher.

Gene Mohling, county extension director for 10 years, was pleased with the turnout at the auction, and said he appreciated all the work put in by the kids.

"It went very well," Mohling said. "The generous donations and support from area businesses and individuals tells us they understand the value of it all."

Donna Stutsman's two children, Logan, 11, and Brooke, 9, were not the only ones disappointed by having to let go of two Suffolk sheep, Chop and Racer. Their mother, Donna, also found it hard to auction them.

"It teaches kids responsibility," she said, tears running down her face. "It gives them a sense of accountability."

The Livestock Auction also is a way for kids to earn some extra cash. All the money is given directly to the seller.

"I don't really like chickens that much," said Jeff Donohue, 14. "It's a good way to make money."

On the average, hogs sell for $300, rabbits and chickens sell for $25 to $60, sheep for $3 a pound, and cattle for $1 a pound.

Donohue, an eighth-grader from Solon, sold his three chickens for $35 each. He promised to dress the chickens in formal attire and deliver them to their buyer, Hills Bank and Trust Co.

Mohling said the auction was a nice way to conclude this year's fair.

"It's been a great fair," he said.