In rural counties across the country, the county fair season has started. Those of us living in rural communities communities look forward to Fair.
It's a time for friends, a time for a little friendly competition - everything from tractor pulls to the the best chocolate cake!
My favorite part of the fair is the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and the 4H competitions.
I spent a few hours walking around the livestock exhibits this week, talking with friends, kids & their parents.
As always pictures are worth a thousand words and I took over 350 photos in a few hours!
Click here to: Enjoy the Rockbridge Regional Fair thru the eye of my camera!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/candylynn/collections/72157606224543465/
Like I said - I really enjoyed my time at the fair hope you did too!
Below is a bit about the 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale. I'll admit I'm a whimp when it comes to going to the sale. I just can't look the animal in the eye then see it on the dinner table.
It goes back to childhood at my grandparents farm. I did not eat chicken (not even my grandmothers outrageously delicious pan fried chicken) for 2 years after Charlie & Shirley disappeared to the freezer.
2008 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale
July 17, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Virginia Horse Center, East Complex
4-H/FFA Auction- A great place to buy locally grown products
The 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction is held annually to provide a special auction for 4-H and FFA exhibitors to sell their market animal projects. This year the exhibitors will be offering approximately 90 animals for sale, 18 goats, 20 hogs, 29 lambs, and 22 steers. Exhibitors who sell livestock use the proceeds to reinvest in future 4-H/FFA projects, or they may set their earnings aside for an educational and/or business expense.
As a buyer, you are investing in these exhibitors’ futures by encouraging them to stay involved in agriculture. The 4-H and FFA members are involved in various educational, community service projects, and entertainment activities throughout the year.
Benefits include:
Quality Products: All animals sold will grade select or better as determined by a state grader. You will receive top quality, locally raised beef, pork, lamb and goat.
Support: The livestock auction is a great place to show your community involvement and support of local youth. Throughout the year exhibitors learn feeding, grooming, training, record keeping, and proper livestock management practices. Exhibitors selling livestock may use the proceeds to reinvest in future projects or they may set their earnings aside for educational or business opportunities.
Advertising: Your name will be announced at the sale, printed in the full-page ad in The News-Gazette, as well as being listed in all show materials for 2009. Buyers also receive a thank you placard with a photo of the exhibitor and the animal purchased.
Payment: Payment, if at all possible, is to be made the night of the auction.
There are several ways you can participate!
Attend In Person: The annual auction is full of excitement for you as a buyer and for the exhibitor. It will be an unforgettable experience for you. Livestock Advisory Council members will be present to assist you with your bid.
By Proxy: You may contact a Livestock Advisory Council member to make a proxy bid. This will allow a member of the council to make a bid for you. Please contact Susan Showalter at (540) 460-2016, Margaret Ann Smith at (540) 460-4899 or Allen Strecker at (540) 570-7799 for more information.
On Sale Day: Please be sure to stop by the show office to become a registered bidder. You will receive a buyer’s bid number at the time, as well as directions for the conclusion of the sale; such as buyer checkout, processor sheets, etc.
**All animals purchased for consumption are transported, free of charge, to a local processor.
•Please contact the Rockbridge Count Extension Office at (540) 463-4734 or Susan Showalter (540) 460.2016, Margaret Ann Smith (540) 460-4899 or Allen Strecker (540) 570.7799 for more information on the sale.