Photo is courtesy Little Creek Photography Pictured is LynnDee Nagel with her market lamb purchased by Stub Porter.

Chautauqua County 4-H Youth Development will hold the 57th annual Meat Animal Sale at the Warren K. Brown Show Arena on the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk on Saturday, July 24. The sale begins at noon.

The sale is being held as a part of the “UnFair” hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County 4-H Youth Development. The UnFair will be from July 21 to 25 at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds. Youth will have the opportunity to show their animals and will have club projects on display. Except for the Meat Animal Sale on July 24th, the events are closed to the public.

4-Her’s across the county have been working hard since October to raise top-quality animals for the annual sale. This year 57 hogs, 8 market goats, 29 pairs of market chickens, 14 lambs, and 14 steers will be available for purchase.

Market animal projects offer youth a unique experience to learn animal husbandry, feed and nutrition, cuts of meat, how to train an animal to lead, and current industry standards for their species. Not all the work is in the barn, however. Youth keep accurate medical, nutrition, and financial records for every animal project. They are also encouraged to market that animal to people in the community so that they are sure to get a fair price for their hard work on sale day.

Buyers are asked to pre-register by calling 716-664-9502 ext. 208 or completing a short online survey via this link: https://bit.ly/3wDz38T. Buyers are not required to pre-register to purchase an animal. The sale will be livestreamed thanks to the generous support of DFT Communications. More information about the livestream can be found on the Chautauqua County 4-H Facebook page.

Potential first-time buyers at the 4-H Meat Animal Sale are asked to arrive early and walk through the barns to see what animals are available. There are no bidder numbers — simply raise your hand and the auctioneer or a spotter will be happy to take your bid.

Once the gavel falls and participants have purchased the animal, head down to the show ring for a photo. They will also be handed a clipboard with your sales receipt. You will need to fill out your contact information as well as processor trucking information for your animal. Once you purchase an animal it stays on display at the fair until Sunday when it is shipped to the processor of your choice. After your photo head into the Swine Barn where you can pay for your animal with cash or check. It’s just that easy!

A small portion of every sale goes to Chautauqua County 4-H Youth development programming in Chautauqua County. 4-H connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society. By completing various projects youth learn patience, teamwork, and other valuable life skills. For more information about 4-H please visit http://chautauqua.cce.cornell.edu/