Many of our local programs like 4H and FFA are well known programs that support our local youth interested in futures in ranching or farming. Many of these same kids invest time and money raising livestock to be shown and judged. The grand finale of these efforts is at Yavapai County Fair, September 8-11, with the Youth Livestock Show and Auction. The Yavapai County Fair at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds is one of the longest running fairs in Arizona. The Youth livestock auction at the fair on September 10th at 5:00 pm, is presented on the behalf of youth in Yavapai County that have invested their own time and resources to select, feed and groom their animals each year. The animals will be judged and auctioned to reward the kids for their incredible investment and commitment. Awards have been established and you will have the opportunity to purchase one of these animals even a champion if you choose.
How do I participate? At the Auction bids are taken from registered buyers, with buyer numbers. Advanced registration is required. Bids are taken by the animal for small animals (rabbits, chickens, and turkeys) and by the pound for large animals (pigs, sheep, cow, and lamb). There are two ways to manage a purchase:
- Buy the animal for your use: keep as a pet, breeding, or for consumption details listed below.
- Purchase the animal, then resell it with our approved resellers (large animals only). If you wish to support a kid but do not want or can’t use the animal, simply check “resale” on your paperwork. We will oversee the sale from here, here is an example of a resale transaction:
- A 200 lb swine(pig) is up for Auction, resale (market) price is set at $1 per pound.
- You purchase the pig with a winning bid of $10 per pound, and elect resale option
- The pig’s seller receives the full price of $10 per pound or $2000 total as a registered sale
- You as the winning buyer are responsible for $9 per pound (winning bid minus resale price) In this example $1800.
- The reseller pays the balance of $200.
How do I process and what do I get afterwards? Processing or slaughtering is the only additional step and cost if you buy an animal for your consumption. Approved processors are on site each with details of their service and fees listed in your buyer package. It will be your choice to choose a processor based on your needs and preferred end product. Many things determine the final yield for each animal but here are some estimates:
| One Thousand Pound Steer | One hundred Pound Lamb | Two hundred Pound Swine |
| Steaks 140 lbs Roasts 170 lbs Ground Meat 110 lbs Stew and Misc. cuts 45 lbs | Legs 11 lbs Chops 11 lbs Shoulder 13 lbs Lesser Cuts 10 lbs | Ham 26 lbs Chops 20 lbs Shoulders 25 lbs Bacon 22 lbs Ribs 5 lbs Sausage, you select favor 16 lbs Lard 16 lbs |
| Total Yield ~ 465 pounds | Total Yield ~ 45 pounds | Total Yield ~ 130 pounds |
Last thoughts, this meat is local, high quality and you are helping future ranchers and farmers in our community. Many local small businesses use this meat as customer perks, employee incentives and retention strategies. It can differentiate you from your competitors. Proxy (Absentee) bidding is also available see our website for details. Thank you for your interest and supporting the Youth of Yavapai County, buyer preregistration is available at www.yavapaifair.com
