BENTON COUNTY — Cows, sheep, goats and swine will be shown and purchased next week during the 50th Junior Exhibitor Livestock Auction at the Benton County Fair.
There will be about 160 exhibitors, ages 9 to 18, who will showcase their best animals to catch a buyer’s eye.
Though many exhibitors have ties with businesses or family members who are frequent buyers, new exhibitors may not, so sale organizers areencouraging businesses and individuals who have never participated in the sale to consider doing so this year.
“It’s always nice when we can get one or two new buyers each year to come in and decide ‘I’m going to bid on the kids’ animals which no one else wants to bid on,’” Parker said.
The sale will be “premium” only, meaning the exhibitor keeps both the money and the animal; however, private transactions can be made if a buyer is interested in purchasing an animal to keep, explained Junior Livestock Sale Committee chairman Doug Parker.
Parker explained how money transactions at the sale have a longer-reaching effect than just buying an animal.
Most kids use the money to reinvest in their livestock for next year, to purchase new animals or to save for future college funds, Parker said.
“It means a lot to them,” he said. “Each one of thoseexhibitors really look forward to having one of their animals in the premium sale.”
Robert Matlock with Rogers Breakfast Kiwanis Club said he’s run out of fingers for the number of years the club has purchased an animal at the auction with the purpose of supporting the 4-H members who have worked hard.
“(4-H Club) has instilled such good traditions, work habits in these kids that it’s a nice way to honor them and to say how proud we are of what they do,” Matlock said.
Matlock said the club will be back this year to bid.
The Benton County Fair starts Aug. 17 and continues through Aug. 21. The premium sale starts at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20, with a buyer’s dinner at 5 p.m. For more information about buying, contact Parker at 787-5880 or 273-1355.
News, Pages 5 on 08/10/2011