Rice County Fair 4-H Livestock Auction

It was a fun Saturday morning at the Rice County Fair, the annual 4-H Livestock Auction. The morning began with a complimentary buyers breakfast served by Rice County 4-H members. Then about 9:15 the Livestock Auction began in the livestock show arena. It was nice to see a big crowd of business, families and individuals there to support the 4-H program in Rice County.

The amount of the premium a 4-H member gets is set by the 4-H Livestock Auction Committee. Any amount bid above that goes to the 4-H Foundation that benefits all 4-H members in Rice County. The money is used to help pay for state fair trips, leadership conferences, Washington D.C trips and other activities.

The decisions on how the money is spent is determined by the Rice County 4-H Foundation which consists of 4-H members and adult leaders under the guidance of the University of Minnesota Extension Service. In the picture is Art Madsen who purchased the premium for a 4-H sheep project. Art and Judy raise sheep and help many 4-H members with their sheep projects. This Rice County 4-H member made a couple cupcakes with frosting on them decorated with sheep to give to the business that purchased her premium.