Youth Shine at Erie County Fair 4-H Livestock Auction

By Blake Jackson

At the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York, the 4-H Livestock Program run by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Erie County once again gave young participants the chance to showcase the results of their hard work.

On Aug. 9 and 16, youth in both 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) sold the animals they raised including steers, hogs, lambs, goats, poultry, and rabbits in the annual livestock auction.

For 13-year-old Jolene Mesch, who sold a 1,411-pound steer, the event was an opportunity to connect directly with her buyer. After her animal left the ring, she walked over to shake his hand. “I know the effort and time these kids put in,” said David Knoll of Hamburg. “You’re not going to get better quality elsewhere.”

The program not only teaches animal care but also emphasizes marketing. A few years ago, when bidder numbers declined, CCE added workshops on salesmanship.

Youth now learn how to craft pitches, write promotional letters, and meet potential buyers at events such as the spring Auction Round-up Dinner. In July, participants also practice formal buyer interviews.

“The marketing program has helped,” said Tammi Kron, 4-H youth development educator with CCE Erie County. “Prices have been increasing. The kids present themselves so well.”

This year’s auction grossed $426,565, with 104 bidders purchasing 170 animals. Of those, 54 were first-time buyers. Last year’s auction totaled $404,173, with 84 bidders and 210 animals sold.

For families like the Mesches of Collins, the program is central to summer life. Jolene and her sisters Leslie and Loraina each sold animals this year, while their parents support them on the family dairy farm.

“Most kids don’t know how to do an interview, but every single year, we have to do an interview about our projects and answer questions about our break-even price and what we feed our market animals and if our plans worked,” Leslie said.

Knoll noted that youth outreach makes an impact. “I appreciate that they send a handwritten note and they take the time to contact me before the fair,” he said.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-baranozdemir