SARATOGA CO., N.Y. — The Saratoga County 4-H is hosting their first annual Market Auction on Sunday July 24th at the Saratoga County Fair. This year there are 7 youths selling lambs in the auction. Community members and local businesses are invited to come bid at the auction. The bidders are invited for a preview of the sale and registration at 10:00AM. The Market Auction will begin at 10:30. When purchasing a 4-H animal from the auction, you are getting a high-quality product. Market animals are raised with the utmost care.
The 4-H Market Auction is a unique program and for the first time, Saratoga County 4-H has initiated an opportunity for its members. 4-H youth who are participating in market animal projects raise various farm animals for the purpose of sale to the public. The project is intended to give youths the chance to be responsible for their animals but also the monies received from the sale. They’ll use some of the funds to offset the costs incurred from caring for their animals and then be given the freedom to use any profits for themselves. Most individuals will use their funds to begin the process of raising another animal or put it towards saving for their secondary education endeavors.
All animals must be paid for, IN FULL, at the end of the auction. The animals will be delivered to a processor, Sunday, after the auction. The processor may be contacted directly for a specific cut sheet and the processing costs are separate from the auction purchase. The meat will be delivered personally by each 4-H’er or a pick-up may be arranged. Purchases can also be signed back to the 4-H’er with the original purchase price benefitting the 4-H member and the secondary sale furthering educational materials and supplies for the Saratoga County 4-H Livestock Program.
Bid as an individual, a business, or collaborate with a partner and go in as a share; by proxy options available as well. This may be a tax-deductible purchase when made as a goodwill gift or charitable donation. Early bidder registration is available NOW! Contact Rylie Lear, 4-H Livestock Coordinator, at 518-885-8995 or rjl287@cornell.edu to register or with questions. Saratoga County 4-H is excited to offer this new program in the animal science department.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County