By Andi Anderson
Lapeer County's dedicated young farmers are inviting the community to support their agricultural endeavors at the 60th annual Youth Livestock Auction. This event is set to take place at the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 25, beginning at 2 p.m.
Tammy Hyatt, chairperson of the Youth Livestock Auction Committee, emphasized the importance of community support for these young entrepreneurs. "These youth entrepreneurs have worked hard throughout the year to produce high-quality animals to sell at the auction and the community’s support is vital to their success," she stated. Many participants reinvest their earnings into future livestock projects, continuing the cycle of learning and growth.
The auction schedule is packed with a variety of animals, including rabbits, poultry, beef feeders, goats, dairy baskets, hogs, lambs, and beef. The dairy baskets, a favorite among attendees, will feature an array of dairy products and serving accessories.
Adding to this year's festivities, a complimentary dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m. for previous bidders and buyers, followed by the auction at 2 p.m. Each animal, along with its young exhibitor and buyer, will be photographed, with these mementos delivered later in the summer.
A new addition to this year’s auction is the 'Dime-A-Pound' program, allowing buyers to contribute an additional ten cents per pound of their purchased animal’s weight to support youth programming at the fair.
Payment options for buyers are flexible, including cash, check, or credit card. Buyers will decide whether to process the animals for meat or resell them at a local stockyard. Arrangements for processing poultry and rabbits will be made directly between the buyer and seller.
This event supports the agricultural education of Lapeer County's youth and strengthens the community’s connection to local farming and sustainable practices. It's an opportunity to support the next generation of farmers and take home some quality, locally-grown meat.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: Michigan, Livestock