Let the Sales Begin!

October Colt Sales are never disappointing. There are always surprises around the corner whether in Kentucky or Pennsylvania. The best way I have found to compare sale results is to rely on the numbers.

The Hoover Colt Sale often answers the 'what-ifs' for sale consignors and buyers, as it is the first colt sale of the season.

Hoover Colt Sale, as usual, was fast moving while offering around 225 mule colts being provided from strong breeding programs.

The overall average was right under $4,200. This is an increase of $200 from 2024. This was a sign of relief for the mule industry.

The top 10 colts averaged right at $9200 each; the top 5 colts averaged right at $9900 each.

The high colt in 2025 was $11,100; the top colt in 2024 $12,000.

In 2025 the top 10 colts were $8,000 and up; in 2024 top 10 colts were $7,000 and up.  This tells us the upper end of the sale was higher than in 2024.

Johnny B Stoltzfus of Kentucky has always been a breeder to keep an eye on at the Hoover Sale. Johnny B has provided extremely nice colts, with many being seen in the show ring. This breeders’ colts averaged right at $5,400 this year.

One breeder stepping into the recognition circle was Titus Martin with an average near $6,900 per head. Titus provided the top selling colt to the Hoover Sale. Johnny B and Titus both provided two colts for the top 10 circle.  

Goodbye Kentucky and Hello Pennsylvania!

After selling over 220 mule colts in Kentucky, buyers move on to Pennsylvania expecting another 350 plus colts ready for market. The first stop, Abner Stoltzfus Family Farm Colt Sale in Quarryville Pennsylvania.

This elite sale features a line of colts that are sired by a specific group of jacks. In visiting with Carla Epperson Shimko, daughter of the late Roy Epperson, the conversation led to her father who was an avid colt buyer years ago. Carla shared her dad, along with many others passed from the mule industry, would be speechless to see this many top colts in one place.

The top colt was raised by Henry Stoltzfus, of Groffdale, and sold for $10,100.  The top colt in 2024 was $10,500. Now, we must mention Leon King and Amos Stoltzfus (Lititz), each sold a colt for $10,000.

The overall average in 2025 was a touch over $4,500; this is $300 less than 2024. Close to 35% of the stock sold were over the sale average. Prices for this sale ranged from $1900 - $10,100.

The top five colts averaged a touch over $9,400 in 2025: with the top ten averaging $8,300.

On to the J & E Colt Sale held at Solanco Fair Grounds in Quarryville Pennsylvania.

John Stoltzfus and Elam Glick are two established breeders, who decided a few years ago, to begin a sale for not only their stock, but others looking for a place to sale in October. After a couple of ‘learning’ years this sale was right up with the overall. They continue to support their own breeding programs as well as offer an outlet to others.

The top selling colt tapped out at $8,800 and was consigned by John Stoltzfus. Co-founders, John Stoltzfus and Elam Glick, provided five of the top ten selling colts, this really showed in their personal averages. John closed the sale with a $6,000 average and Elam over $3,600.

There are good breeding programs represented at this sale; however, there is one that must be mentioned …. Daniel King. Daniel made a statement in 2024 with a colt being the top seller and was greatly acknowledged in the show.  2025 was no different with Daniel having three colts in the top ten.

This sale offered 170 mule colts into the auction ring.

The overall 2025 average was a bit over $3,050; this comes in $750 under the 2024 average.

The top five averaged $7,300 with the top ten averaging $6,600.

Subscribers, look for photos from the colt sales, as well as some detailed information on the Jacks associated with many of these colts.  This information will be available to subscribers in the 'Sweetfeed' Section.