The Youth Market Livestock Auction offers a unique opportunity for the larger community to invest in the
future of young farmers. Raising livestock for the fair requires significant time and expense for proper
care, training, and preparation of the animals. Selling livestock at the fair market auction is an opportunity
to earn that money back, save for college, reinvest in livestock, all while experiencing first-hand the
economics of agriculture as a business.
AUCTION OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of the youth market auction is to encourage the exhibition and
sale of high-quality livestock, including beef, sheep, swine, meat goats, poultry, and rabbits that have
attained marketable weight and grade. Participants, including youth sellers and bidders/buyers, should be
mindful that the prices paid for the animals may not necessarily reflect the prevailing market price at the
time of the sale. The hope is that buyers will bid generously to cover the individual exhibitor's additional
expenses. It is mandatory that any animal sold in the auction is suitable for processing at the time
of the sale.
What animals may be auctioned?
Steers or Market Heifers, Hogs, Lambs, Goats, Rabbits, Poultry
How many animals can I sell?
2 animal per species and 4 entries total
When do I need to own my animal(s)
All auction animals must meet the ownership date requirement. Date of ownership is as follows:
Steers or Market Heifers: January 1, 2025
Hogs: March 1, 2025
Lambs: April 1, 2025
Goats: April 1, 2025
Other large poultry: May 1, 2025
Rabbits: June 1, 2025
Chicken: July 22, 2025
What is the minimum – maximum weight and age (by opening day of fair) my animal must be to
participate in the auction?
Steers or Market Heifers: 1,000 – 1,500 lbs, at least 1 year and under 2 years of age
Hogs: 195 – 252 lbs, farrowed January 1st – May 20th, 2024
Lambs: 80 – 175 lbs, at least 3 months and under 1 year of age
Goats: 60 – 175 lbs, at least 6 months and under 1 year of age (must be meat or meat cross)
Rabbits: 3 - 8 lbs, at least 3 months and under 6 months of age
Poultry: 8 – 10 lbs, cannot exceed 9 weeks of age as of August 19, 2024
Do I have to show my animal at the Washington County Fair in order to participate in the
auction?
Yes. Your auction animal will also need to receive a blue or red ribbon in its class to participate.
How will my buyer purchase my animal?
All weighed animals will be sold by the pound. Poultry and rabbits will be sold by the lot. All buyers need
to be present at the auction to bid on animals. Upon winning the bid, the buyer will make payment via
check or money order to WCF
What happens to my animal after the auction?
All animals sold at auction will go to a designated USDA or state custom approved slaughter facility.
When a buyer requests the animal be processed for his own use, he/she takes possession of the
processed carcass at the packinghouse. The cost of slaughter, processing and packaging is the buyer’s
responsibility.
How will I get my money?
You will receive your money via a check from the Washington County Fair after you have turned in a
buyer thank-you note, and project record book and your animal has been dropped off at the butcher.
What fees are there?
There will be no commission on the youth exhibitor.
Who will pay for the processing?
The buyer will pay for the cost of processing when they pick up their meat
Auction Requirements Checklist
1. Youth must complete and submit a record book upon completion of the project
2. Animals must meet all WCF health requirements, and pass all Vet Checks
3. Animals must meet the weight requirements
4. Animals must be exhibited at the Washington County Fair
5. Youth must send 10 letters per species to potential buyers. Youth should also follow up with in-
person visits to their potential buyers
Deadline for Auction Entries: Large Animal - April 1st, 2025 - Small Animal - June 1st, 2024
