I often get questions about how to become a buyer and what all it means to support the Junior Fair Livestock Sale. The sale is the culmination for many livestock projects including 4-H and FFA. It is the end of the road for the many market animals that come to the fair and serves as the conclusion of the junior fair member’s project. To the many supporters of the sale it is the chance to support youth and encourage future projects. Many businesses in and around Van Wert County contribute to the success of the livestock sale every year. This year’s sale will begin at 9:00am on Tuesday September 8, 2015 at the Farm Focus Show Arena at the Van Wert County Fairground.

The most common question I often receive is “Do I have to take the whole animal home with me?” The easiest answer is simply no. The price you bid will be the premium (or extra) that the exhibitor will receive. If you wish to have the animal slaughtered for personal use, you will also be required to pay the support price for that given animal. Often people ask about our policy of the amount of trips an exhibitor may take through the ring. Exhibitors may only go one time per species of animal through the sale ring and are allowed a maximum of two trips through the sale ring. This means that youth who take more than two types of animals must choose which animals go through the ring. Exhibitors do their best to show appreciation for livestock purchases at the fair by posting signs and writing thank you’s.

The Livestock Sale Committee (in conjunction with 4-H Council) works to provide a breakfast for buyers the day of the sale and food throughout the day to keep buyers comfortable. In your support of the sale, we as a junior fair community try our best to give as much appreciation and marketing to businesses that take the time and money to support our youth and the projects they take. The Junior Fair Board, 4-H and FFA appreciate the support given to exhibitors in the program in the past.

With the changes in scheduling, we would like to remind buyers that the sale will be held on Tuesday September 8, 2015, starting at 9:00am at the Farm Focus Arena on the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. If you have any questions regarding the livestock sale, please contact the Ohio State University Extension Office here in Van Wert at (419-238-1214). New buyers are appreciated at any time, and we would love to talk to you about the many opportunities to support the Junior Fair exhibitors!