For most counties, the county fair is not complete without a premium sale for livestock exhibitors. No matter if it is a broiler or a steer, community members come together to help fuel the passion of young agriculturalists financially.

Many of those supporters who are putting money in the premium sale also have been those young kids in 4-H and FFA shirts leading their animals around in the show ring earlier in their lives.

Now that I have a couple of years out of the show ring, it is inspiring to watch the local butcher, banks and family members encouraging youth to continue their livestock projects in these organizations.

After the premium sale, you can see 4-H and FFA members extending a handshake and visiting with these donors. The networking connections that these exhibitors gain from interacting with strongholds in the ag industry will benefit them in the future while looking for internships and careers. Once the county fair is over, members send thank you cards to these donors to show their appreciation.

But the sale at the end of the fair is more than just supporting next year’s project; it brings the community together.

All hands on deck

At my home county fair, Nemaha County, the livestock do not go home with the donors. This premium is extra money that exhibitors can use to cover this year’s costs or go toward purchasing an animal for next year.

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But this sale would not be able to go on without the continued support from the community. For example, local auctioneers from different auction services come together for free to help bring a high dollar for each exhibitor. Another vital part of a sale is the clerking. Time was volunteered from Auburn State Bank for this sale.

Before the sale, parents of kids in the Timbercreek club, Junior Riders club and the 4-H council come together to put on a potluck for the buyers to make them feel welcomed and appreciated. In combination with the other 4-H volunteers who work the ring and Extension personnel, everyone in the community has a role to make the sale a success.  

GROUP EFFORT: Youth ages 8 to 18 can bring their 4-H or FFA project in the ring to draw a premium to support future livestock projects. Here is Carson DeBuhr showing off his market steer in the show ring.

Heading back to my county fair to watch my little brothers bring their hogs to the premium sale gave me a newfound appreciation for all who invest in the future of agriculture like this. Without these people playing vital roles, it could be hard for 4-H and FFA members to exhibit livestock projects because of the hefty financial burden.

I know for myself, being able to show hogs and cattle in the county fair gave my passion for agriculture a kick-start because of the responsibility of bringing livestock all the way to market weight.

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At the 2024 Nemaha County Fair, a total of $46,775 was raised across 43 buyers for these hardworking agriculturalists. This is no small number and will make a big impact in these youth’s lives.

So, if you have ever invested in the lives of the future of agriculture through a premium sale, thank you. Without the financial support and networking connections made through 4-H and FFA in this way, it is hard to say where my path would have led.