‘IT’S COME FULL CIRCLE’
Auctioneer Justin Krell of Blooming Prairie sells his daughter’s goat during the annual 4-H Livestock Auction Saturday at the fair. He reflected on the moment by pausing during the auction to let the audience know, “It’s come full circle.” Staff photo by Rick Bussler
Sixteen years ago, Justin Krell took part in the 4-H Livestock Auction with his animal during the Steele County Free Fair. On Saturday, the long-time auctioneer had the chance to sell his oldest daughter’s goat in the auction.
“It’s come full circle,” Krell told the audience Saturday morning. He was referring to Leah Krell, his 9-year-old daughter, who took part in her first year as a member of the Merry Lane 4-H Club.
She is the fourth generation of Krells to take part in Steele County 4-H, beginning with her great-grandfather, Bob Krell. Her grandmother, Michelle Krell, also participated in 4-H during her younger years in Mower County.
In addition to goats, Leah Krell also showed chickens and hogs at this year’s fair. And, Justin said with a smile, “it didn’t take much convincing to get her to do that.”
During Justin Krell’s 13 years in 4-H, he showed beef, hogs and sheep. He grew up on the family farm north of Blooming Prairie. Besides traveling for a full-time agribusiness job, he also farms with his father, Rodney Krell.
Justin credits 4-H with teaching him responsibility that has carried over into his adult life. He also recalled being interviewed by the local radio station as a 4-H'er, which provided him with solid interviewing skills.
Justin was done with 4-H in 2009, but he had stepped into the auctioneer ring three years prior. He has been helping with the 4-H Auction ever since, by donating his auctioneering skills, as do a couple other local auctioneers.
Outside of the fair, Krell also helps Dennis Jensen, an Owatonna area auctioneer, with a handful of auctions throughout the year. Krell will be offering his services once again at this year’s BP Cancer Auction, held in early September.
“Auctioneering is something unique that I picked up,” Krell said. “I remember coming up with a chant while sitting on the tractor in the field.”
For the Krells, the fair is rooted in tradition, and it's one with which they enjoy being involved. The family never leaves the fairgrounds, as they camp onsite during fair week.
“It’s the one time of the year where you bring this group of people together,” Krell said. “It’s fun to see kids who have never seen animals before. There is a lot of education value to the fair.”
Krell also likes how the fair tradition gets passed on to other generations. He pointed out that many people with him in 4-H years ago now have kids of their own in 4-H. But he acknowledges it doesn’t quite feel right to have his own kids already in 4-H.
“It doesn’t seem like it should be happening,” Krell said, adding there are “a lot of good years” to come for his children.
Krell is excited about what’s in store for the future, as there will be a Krell involved for quite some time. He has two other daughters, ages 4 and 6.
“I’ve done the math,” he said. “With our last daughter, we’ll be here quite a while until 2040.”
It’s also a sure bet that Krell will continue to auction off animals during that time not only for his children but other 4-H'ers as well.