The Auction - hard work pays off!

Tonight was the 4H livestock auction at the Hookstown Fair. Here are a few pictures of the livestock that were auctioned and the crowd doing the bidding. The animals will be custom processsed to each buyer's specifications by local butchers. Livestock purchased for retail sales or restaurants must be slaughtered under USDA inspection, just like the meat in your grocery store. What a great way to buy local! We didn't buy this year ---- we're still finishing the pork from the hog that we purchased last year ........ We spotted several bidders who got together and divided up their steer between 2 to 4 families. Another interesting feature of the sale is that you can purchase an animal & "donate it back" to the scholarship fund. You pay the price you've bid - those $$$ go to the 4H member - and the proceeds from the 2nd bidder go to the scholarship fund. It's another way to support our youth if you don't want to fill your freezer.

More on 4H clubs

Local youth exhibiting their 4H market lamb projects at the fair tonight ..... you can see the hours of dedication that these young people put in on raising their lambs. All of the lambs were evaluated and judged based on their suitability for market. The judge gives oral "reasons" for placing all of the lambs in order and takes time to congratulate and encourage all of the participants.

A chance to bid on local food!

Something to think about ....... county fairs are in full swing and we have a great chance to buy local AND support youth 4H livestock projects! This is something that we have done consistently over the years:
1) Watch the 4H kids showing their livestock projects at the fair. They are judged 2 ways - once for the condition & finish of their animal, and once for their "showmanship" skills.
2) Go to the fair livestock auction, sign up for a bidders number, and bid on the animal of your choice. You could split this with family or a friend if it's too much meat for your freezer. There is help available to get you started if this is the first time you've tried this at the fairs.
3) Pick up your meat from the butcher cut, wrapped, & frozen. You'll satisfy your shopping needs for the next year!
4) Know that you've contributed to the development of youth in your community.

See you at the fair!