Public Welcome to Bid at Jr. Fair Livestock Auction
Ramona Junior Fair events began Saturday, July 28 and continue through Sunday, August 5. For more information go to www.RamonaFair.com
By Regina Elling

Buyers at the Ramona Jr. Fair Livestock Auction can choose from many different cattle. Ramona Home Journal File Photos

The grand finale of the Ramona Junior Fair is the livestock auction. Months of hard work by youngsters involved in 4-H, FFA and Grange clubs will hopefully result in a hefty check; cash that is hard-earned and will be well-used.

Debbie Hankins and Debra Jones, both moms of kids in local 4-H clubs, also have been purchasing animals for years. "The money the kids earn is typically used to either further their education or sometimes even purchase a vehicle for their jobs," says Jones.

Both women are auction veterans. Jones has been buying animals at the sales for the past 12 years, although she admits, "My husband does all the bidding." Hankins has been buying since 2000.

They were happy to share some tips for first-time buyers.

"Come early and talk to the kids," says Hankins. "While no pre-sales are allowed, it's a great chance to look over the livestock and find out what is for sale. The person who raised the animal will be able to tell you everything you want to know - what the animal has been fed, how it's been housed, age and other information."

All the animals present will have had excellent care by their young owners.

Jones adds, "In some cases, buyers can even request additional finishing to be done on the animal. Of course, this has to be discussed with the child ahead of time."

Buyers should also note the differences in the livestock available. "There will be blue-ribbon and red-ribbon animals available, and buyers can expect to pay premium prices for these winners," says Hankins.

But Jones and Hankins make it clear that all the livestock is top-notch.

"These are quality, healthy animals that have been raised with the best of care," says Jones. "There will be no disappointed buyers."

The Junior Livestock Fair auction begins Saturday, Aug. 4. Buyer check-in time is 1 p.m. There will be a buyers' barbecue lunch from noon to 2 p.m.

"The lunch isn't mandatory, but it's a really fun option and a great way to meet other buyers," says Jones. Buyers should also pick up a free premium book, which lists information about the exhibitors and their animals.

Animals are sold by the pound. Bidders can choose from a variety of beef, veal, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry.

Once the animal is purchased, the buyer has several options. They can take the animal home or it can be taken directly to one of several processing plants (complete lists will be available at the sale).

"The butcher will call the buyer, and they can determine how they would like their cuts, how they would like the meat wrapped and arrange for pick up times," says Hankins. "They should plan ahead on how to get their meat home and have a freezer ready."

"This is a great way to buy a large amount of quality meat for the home," says Jones. "And buyers can choose to go in together on an animal and split up the purchase."

Some buyers choose to re-sell their animal. With this option, the amount the buyers pay will go directly to the exhibitor, and the amount the animal is resold for will go to the scholarship and maintenance fund.

After the livestock sale, an "after-auction auction," consisting of donated items is held, with all proceeds going to support the fair.

There is no deposit required to bid, but buyers are expected to pay for their purchases that evening.

Both women agree that the livestock auction is a wonderful venue, and they encourage the public to attend and bid. "It's a great way for the community to get involved and support some really good kids," says Hankins.