FFA, 4H Kids Make a Pitch for Buyers

By Johnny McDonald

Salesmanship plays as much a role as breeding and showing when it comes time for the Junior Fair Auction.

Young and energetic Future Farmers of America and 4H clubbers have spent the better part of this year enticing prospective buyers, but the bottom line is this: They must produce a quality animal.

All the methods of communication have been exhausted in the campaign. Phone calls,

e-mails, letters and personal visits hopefully have produced fruitful rewards with buys that will cover expenses and a little bit more.

This educational ride will be culminated on Saturday, Aug. 6, when auctioneer Matt Gorham spins his beckoning chant at 2 p.m. at the Junior Fair Grounds in the center ring.

Fair secretary Nancy Christensen said she expects 265 animals will go on the block to the highest bidders.

Total auction sales last year was $285,000. However, Christensen said most fairs this year have shown a decline and it might affect Ramona, too.

“They can’t seem to pinpoint a reason for the decline in the state,” she said.

“At times, it can be a friendly bidding war for grand and reserve champions,” she said. “Last year, the grand champion lamb sold for $41 a pound after competitive bidding.”

“We try to keep the interest up with our buyers,” said Ramona FFA adviser Kimberly Smith. “Youngsters are encouraged to send them Valentine cards and Christmas cards as a reminder and to keep the buyers interested.”

“We want to find new buyers throughout the year and get more than one person to support a student.

“It’s a pleasant and educational way of networking in the community and letting people know the job kids are doing.”

Personally, I can attest to how quickly bidding can climb. Several years ago, when I was involved with Imperial County’s Mid-Winter Fair, a grand champion lamb went for $550 a pound. The result of this bidding war between two rival cattlemen was placed in Guinness Book of Records.

Broken down, Christensen said there should be 47 beef cattle, 16 veal, 142 swine, 46 lamb and 14 goats.

Although most of the quality livestock will go on sale, there will be some who plan to sell to private parties.

“Swine is the easiest animal to get the most money because of the weight,” said Cindy Zeigler, leader of the 4H Wranglers. “So if you get $2 a pound for a 200-pound pig, right there you have made money.”

As an investment, she said sheep, veal and swine will cost $200 just to get them to the fair.

It could be a gamble if a youngster obtains a cheaper, 125-pound lamb for $150 and pays $50 for feed, and doesn’t receive at least $200.

“Steers will pay off if you have the buyers,” warned Zeigler. “If there are no buyers,

it is hard. At Del Mar, $2 and $2.50 a pound was the average. If you can do that, you’ve done pretty good.”

“Kids can’t just sit around and hope someone will buy his or her animal.”