With over $330K raised in 2024, Junior Livestock Sale hopes to repeat success

Between buyers and add-on buyers, approximately 120 local businesses and individuals purchased from last year’s Junior Livestock Sale. Big Horn County Fair officials are hoping to see a similar turnout this year. 

“Every dollar helps a kid out. It doesn’t matter what the dollar amount is. They appreciate every add-on, every sponsor, business, individual who helps them out,” 4-H educator and junior livestock sales committee chair Gretchen Gasvoda said. 

Last year was record-setting, with $331,263 in sales. Lambs averaged $15.93 per pound, $2,124.85 a head; pigs averaged $10.80 per pound, $2,838.47 a head; goats averaged $17.56 per pound, $1,439.69 a head; rabbits went for an average $787.50 a head and steers averaged $5.06 per pound, $6,789.56 a head. 

One hundred and twenty-one animals were sold. 

“As far as numbers go, I know that with the cost of livestock and the cost of feed, those have impacted some families in the sense of maybe they don’t show as many animals, but as far as 4-H goes, our membership numbers are still the same and participation is still great,” Gasvoda said. 

Junior livestock sales committee and fair board member Tracy Haley noted that the sale of meat goats has been on the rise among 4-H members, possibly because they are a smaller animal. 

This year’s sale prices are to be determined, with junior livestock sales committee member Jared Boardman noting that there is unlikely to be a notable change to floor prices, despite the increased costs to raise a 4-H project. 

“Hopefully sale prices will be steady or higher to help them cover that,” he said. 

The Buyer’s Luncheon will be held Saturday, Aug. 2 at noon with the Junior Livestock Sale to follow at 1 p.m. For more information or to view the fair book with show schedule, visit bighornfair.com or contact the fair office at 307-568-2968.