Becoming a Livestock Buyer helps the 4-H and FFA YOUTH of Putnam County
Important 2027 Fair dates
Swine Show - Tuesday, March 23 @ 6p in Arena
Steer Show - Wednesday, March 24 @ 6p in Arena
Buyers' Dinner (by invitation only) - Friday, March 26 @ 5p at the Shriner's Club
Livestock Sale - Friday, March 26 @ 7p in Arena
** It is requested that buyers pay for their purchase the night of the sale! We accept all forms of payment. **
(A 3.75% service fee is added to all credit card purchases)
Why should I invest in a youth project?
The Fair’s Steer and Swine auction is the end result of the 4H and FFA youth’s year long project. It is an educational experience as well as a business venture. The members get the opportunity to have a “hands on” experience while learning all about the beef and pork industry. They discover what agriculture production is all about and the kind of responsibility necessary to survive in it. The members have selected, fed, and groomed their steers and hogs for competition and marketing. At this market everyone hopes to receive better prices than the current market prices because of the effort they have put forth and also the costs involved in the learning process. Having community support makes it possible for the youth to receive recognition and the motivation to earn and save for the future. Many youth go through this opportunity and come out as great leaders, educators, and responsible citizens.
What are my choices when buying?
There are several options to consider when deciding to be a buyer.
- Purchase an animal, keep the meat for your own use or divide the meat among your friends or employees.
- Purchase an animal then assign the animal for resale. For example: 250lb (weight of animal) X 1.50 (price of your bid) = $375 (total amount paid to the youth). If that day’s market price is $0.40 per lb then you would multiply that price times the weight and subtract it from your total. For the above example $100 would be taken from $375 for a total cost to you of $275. Just remember you don’t get the meat.
- Purchase an animal in cooperation with another buyer and split all costs and the meat.
- Purchase an animal and donate the meat to the charity of your choice. You will be responsible for the cost of all the processing fees.
*Resale prices vary depending on the current market price. The resale price will be announced prior to the start of the sale and is listed on the buyer’s sheet.
*No matter which option you choose you still receive the benefit of advertisement as a supporter and a tax deduction.
*You can pay during the sale with cash or check or credit cards. You will pay the processor their fee directly upon pick up of order.
*You will be given paperwork upon your purchase. Please be sure to mark which processor you wish to handle your purchase.
Processors (subject to change)
What do I get back from the processor?
There are various factors that affect the amount of different meat cuts available from an animal. The breed, weight, degree of finish and cutting method are all components in determining your individual cuts. The meat you receive from the butcher of your choosing, will be cut, trimmed, and packaged for the freezer.
- BEEF example - A 1,200 lb. steer will provide approximately 558 lbs. of dressed out meat.
- PORK example - A 240 lb. pig will provide approximately 132 lbs. of dressed meat.
A processing charge will be due upon pick up of meat. This fee covers slaughter, cutting, wrapping, freezing and disposals.