Auction Marks The End Of Hard Work
by Johnny McDonald

When the auctioneer begins his staccato chant at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 7, close to 300 young entrants will line up prized, pampered and preened animals for buyers’ bids.

The grand and reserve grand champions in beef, lamb and swine normally will be the price-per-pound leaders at the Junior Fair Auction.

This culminates weeks of hard work for 4H and FFA clubbers seeking ribbons and other judging prizes. Team competition remains on the final day of the fair.

"Some 40 4H and FFA clubs have entered animals and will be coming from Poway, Escondido, Bonsall, Valley Center, Encinitas, Oceanside, Julian and Warner Springs," livestock secretary Nancy Christensen said.

Overall, including home economics and showmanships, she said she’ll process more than 1,600 entries.

Through early tabulations following the deadline, Christensen said she had 330 livestock exhibitors.

The weight of the animals exhibited will range from a few ounces of a fluffy cavy, or guinea pig, to 1,350 pounds of a market beef. The roster also includes dogs, rabbits, goats and horses.

"The variety of livestock in competition for ribbons and other prizes extends from those raised to provide meat, wool, milk or other food products to those that are principally pets," Christensen said.

"Last year, a total of 285 animals were sold at the auction for a record $264,000. In addition, buy-backs totaled $8,000, which went toward scholarships," said Christensen, a teacher’s aide at Mt. Woodson Elementary School.

Scholarships are awarded in recognition of involvement, service and academic excellence.

According to Christensen, a few of the young people obtained loans to cover payment for an animal. Add the cost for insurance and possible medication and it can become a sizable investment.

Not to be overlooked in the Junior Fair is the home economics section, featuring display and competition projects in arts and crafts, photography, gardening, sewing and cooking.

Judging of animals is based on handling and display, while clubs participate for barn awards. Evaluation is considered on education, arrangement and management for the duration of the fair.

Other contests involve parent showmanship, in which the parents of exhibitors show their children’s animals, sometimes to the amusement of the young exhibitors. A hay bucking contest also is scheduled.

Clubs also operate food booths, serving drinks and edibles. Profits support operating budgets for the coming year.