4-H / FFA LIVESTOCK MARKET

Each year, more than 250 Washington County 4-H / FFA members participate in the junior market livestock program. The Junior Market Livestock Shows & Sales, held in conjunction with the Washington County Agricultural Fair, provide members with an opportunity to showcase their project.

The success of this program depends upon the support of area residents and business owners. As purchasers of these animals, you will not only enjoy high quality meat, but will be supporting the development of our youth.

This webpage explains Washington County’s 4-H & FFA programs and outlines how you can support the program. In addition, fact sheets are available for market hogs, goats, lambs, rabbit pens and steers. Please review this material at your leisure. If you have any questions, please contact the Washington County Agricultural Fair Office.

We hope to see at the Washington County Agricultural Fair in August!

Animals Sold at Livestock Market

• Steers
• Hogs
• Goats
• Lambs
• Rabbits

What’s Involved in the 4-H / FFA Market Livestock Projects?

Involvement in market livestock projects teaches young people a number of skills throughout the year. They begin by selecting their animal, then go on to manage the feeding schedule. All project performance, such as rate of gain and feed efficiency, is monitored on all project animals. Members are assisted by their 4-H volunteer leaders, FFA advisors and family. They spend many hours grooming and training their animal to prepare for show day at the fair.

After months of care and feeding, members show and sell their project animals at the Washington County Junior Market Livestock Show. All animals exhibited must meet specific health requirements set by the state. The animals are divided into classes based on final weight and judged by livestock experts.

The member hopes that the sale proceeds will help them recover the cost of production as well as realize a return on their investment. Many will reinvest their funds for future project animals or advance to the livestock breeding 4-H project. These members also use this money to finance their advanced education. A small portion of the proceeds is deducted to cover costs incurred in operating the show and sale.

Buyer Options for the Livestock Market

Now that you have decided to support this program, be sure to mark your calendar with the appropriate date and time for the Washington County Agricultural Fair, then follow these steps:

Five Easy Steps to Buying a Market Animal

1. Arrive at the Fairgrounds at least one hour before the start of the market sale. Take some time to walk through the livestock barns and view the market animals offered for sale.

2. Register at the Buyers’ Table, located in the corner of the arena. Friendly people will record your name, address, and phone number and assign you a buyer’s number. Be sure to register so you can be recognized in the Buyers’ ad in the Observer-Reporter newspaper. Pictures of Champions and Reserve Champions and the purchasers will appear in this full-page ad.

3. Bid on your selected animal(s). Steers, lambs, hogs, and goats are sold by the pound. Rabbits are sold by the pen (3 rabbits in a pen). The auctioneer and ring men will take your bids. The cost depends on your bid and the weight of the animal. Approximate costs are listed on the animal fact sheets included in this packet.

4. Filling out your invoice is very important. Your name and complete address as well as the name of your preferred packer must be included on the invoice. You must also provide a number (cell and phone) that we can reach you on during the weekend. Packer will be calling on Sunday for cutting arrangements of your meat and to schedule a day to pick your meat. You must sign the bottom of your invoice. The member will also present you with a photo of your animal.

5. Settle your account at the Buyer’s Table before you leave. All animals must be paid for on the date of the sale. You do not have to wait until the sale is over.

The 4-H and FFA members are responsible for delivering the market animals to the packers after the sale.

A sincere “Thank You” is expressed to Range Resources and the many other businesses in the community for their support of the 4-H / FFA program!

For more information about the 4-H / FFA Market Livestock Sale please call the Washington County Agricultural Fair Office: 724-225-7718

Market Lamb Fact Sheet
Cost Breakdown
Average live weight — 110 lbs.
Average selling price — $1.10/lb.
Selling price range — $1.00/lb. – $10/lb.
Approx. carcass weight — 55 lbs.
Approx. amount of meat for consumption — 42 lbs.
Approx. cost for meat processing — $30
Approx. total cost — $150 – $500

Summary of Lamb Cuts
24 lbs. — Roasts
8 lbs. — Chops
9 lbs. — Ground Lamb

What is 4-H?

Whoever you are, wherever you are, 4-H is for you! Washington County 4-H is an informal, educational, character and skill-building youth program. We offer a variety of educational projects designed to encourage the development of initiative, self-esteem, and a sense of responsibility. Members can choose projects that fit their interests and abilities. Projects involve hands-on learning, setting goals and evaluating one’s progress through our community based 4-H clubs and caring adult volunteers. 4-H is open to anyone who is at least 5 year of age and have not passed their 19th birthday before December 31. Adults can participate as screened volunteer leaders.

For more information about 4-H, contact Sheila Hackinson, 4-H/Youth Development Educator
Phone: 724-207-2006
Email: [email protected]

What is FFA?

The National FFA organization is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. In Washington County, several high schools offer the FFA program to students – McGuffey, Trinity, Avella, California, Mon Valley Career-Tech Center and Fort Cherry/H.G. Parkinson FFA. Students are eligible for membership in Junior FFA in the 7th and 8th grades and high school FFA beginning in the 9th grade and continuing until the fourth National FFA Convention after they graduate from high school.

Through class and shop work, as well as school and home projects, FFA members learn about agricultural practices and develop skills related to animal husbandry, mechanics, agronomy, horticulture and agribusiness management.

FFA members can have the opportunity to compete in county activities, such as public speaking, livestock and dairy judging, and parliamentary procedure. After successfully competing on a county level, members may advance to regional, state and national competitions.

FFA High School Contacts:
McGuffey High School – [email protected]
Avella High School – [email protected]
HG Parkinson – Fort Cherry – [email protected]
Trinity High School – [email protected] , [email protected]
California High School – [email protected]
Mon Valley Career-Tech Center – [email protected]