By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice
The Future Farmers of America and 4-H students kicked off the first day of the Kern County Fair Junior Livestock Auction on Sept. 26, showcasing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Gathered together in the Livestock Pavilion, the voices of FFA members rang out in unison to declare the purpose of the event.
“To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and to develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess,” FFA students chorused.
Their shared mission underscored the heart of the event — a celebration of agricultural heritage, leadership, and community. Day one of the auction included beef open and bred replacement heifers, market beef, and ag mechanics.
Domonic Lugo, a 14-year-old freshman from Garces, was awarded the title of Grand Champion for his market steer and set the pace for the auction. The auction for his steer began with enthusiastic bidding before reaching $32 per pound, leaving Lugo with $42,944 at the sale of his 1,342 lb. steer.
Following Dominic, Garces senior Analeina Lugo’s market steer, which placed Reserve Grand Champion, pulled in $25 per pound — $28,150 total.
DAIRY ADD-ONS
Due to growing concerns over the highly pathogenic avian influenza — Avian Flu — outbreak which is confirmed in 41 dairies in California, the Kern County Fair canceled the 2024 Dairy Replacement Heifer Show and Sale.
However, according to Chelsey Roberts, marketing specialist for the Kern County Fair, dairy heifer exhibitors were given the opportunity to participate virtually and sell via add-ons. Add-ons refer to extra bids on animals after the auction has ended or additional items that are added to the sale.
“Add-ons are just an additional, basically, sponsorship to any of the livestock kids’ animals, and last year, 85% of the money that the kids earned came from add-ons,” Roberts said. “So, it wasn’t the full auction animal itself. So, they still are definitely getting their money’s worth over there.”
This sale via add-ons will close on Sept. 28.
