To market, to market ...
Abigail Jones’ Grand Champion lamb, and she was also Reserve Champion Showman.
Lucy Lang shakes hands with the buyer of her blue ribbon lamb.
Hailey Chouinard with her beef entry.
The first of more than 100 swine to enter the auction arena was Stryder Lierman’s Grand Champion pig.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANThe Boundary County 4-H and FFA Animal Sale took place on August 16.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANDillon Mai with his Grand Champion steer.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANThe 4-H and FFA participants worked hard to get their animals ready for the fair and showed them proudly during the Animal Sale.
Marcus Regehr with his entry.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANZain Vader and his Grand Champion Goat.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANReserve Champion Showman, Isreal Johnson with his entry to the sale.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANRhia Magee comforts her lamb while awaiting the winning bidder.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANPhoebe lang with her lamb entry.
Photos by MANDI BATEMAN Asha Abubakari with her steer entry.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANThe animal sale was an exciting time as the people bid against each other.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANSamuel Easley with his lamb entry.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANSydney Stanch with her Reserve Champion Lamb.
BONNERS FERRY — The season of hard work, raising baby pigs, sheep, goats, cows, rabbits, and chickens, came to a cumulation on Friday, Aug. 16, at the Boundary County Fair during the Boundary County 4-H and FFA Animal Sale.
The indoor arena was filled with bidders and spectators, eagerly awaiting the parade of perfectly groomed animals and their dedicated handlers to come into the arena. Cheyenne Cada started off the auction, pulling a wagon of rabbits that she had raised, the only rabbits in the market this year.
The Broiler category followed, with two wagons of chickens, brought in by 4-H members Amy Carver and Zach Carver. The lambs came next, then goats, beef, and ending with more than 100 swine.
The bidding was fierce but fast, with six spotters in the arena to keep everything flowing smoothly. Businesses vied for the top spot on animals with the winners coming down for the traditional photograph with the animal they won.
For the young men and ladies of 4-H and FFA, the day meant different things to them. For some, they were excited to earn the money from the sale, but others were saddened by losing their furry friend they had bonded with. No matter how they felt, when they entered the area, they came in with smiles on their faces and pride in their step.
The buyers had choices with their animals, including having it butchered, taking it home themselves, or turning the animal, which put it back into the sale.
For the buyers, winning an animal from the sale had multiple benefits.
“It’s being seen as a company and helping kids,” said EL Internet owner Eric Lederhos. “It helps keep the fair alive. It is all these different pieces that makes this place go every year.”
EL Internet was one of many local businesses that helped to support the fair by turning out to bid. Their employees also benefit from the steers that they purchased, since EL Internet distributes the beef to them after butchering.
“It is a great fair and we just try and do our part and help out,” said Lederhos.
After the sad goodbyes were said to the animals they had raised, many of the 4-H and FFA members look to the future — and the next animal that they will raise — as the cycle continues.