Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1497185
By Karen Rice One of the most unique components of the Benton County Fair is the Junior Livestock Auction. County fairs across the country all provide a great learning experience for area youth involved in agriculture and a chance to develop their skills in caring for their animals. Participants are members of 4-H and FFA who are given an opportunity to demonstrate the disciplines they've learned and compete against their peers. But the Benton County Junior Livestock Auction adds another dimension to the youth experience. "Our Junior Livestock Auction provides them with much needed financial assistance," said B.J. Kirk, vice president of agricultural lending at National Legacy Bank in Springdale. "By keeping their animals, the youth have a breeding stock to grow their herd if their animal is a heifer. Proceeds from the auction can be used to pay off the animal they purchased, to pay for feed, vet expenses, or to purchase another animal. By keeping the animal, they can take it to other shows like the District shows in Fort Smith and the State Fair in Little Rock, to potentially earn more money, which could be used for expenses or saving for future college education costs." The livestock auction recommends the youth solicit buyers for the sale in person or by invitation. "One of the benefits of the Benton County Fair is that our youth can show more than one animal even though they can sell only one animal," said Rickie Stark, vice president of business development at the Bank of Gravette. "Often times at other fairs, they have to place high in their class to even be included in the sale." Stark pointed out that we are fortunate in Northwest Arkansas to be home to so many large companies like Walmart, Crossland and Built-Well Construction, who can lend their support to youth in agriculture, as well as to the Benton County Fair itself; but there is the potential for even more support. "In my past experience in areas like Houston, Texas, the buyers' committees host parties and events throughout the year to wine and dine buyers to grow support for the livestock auction," Stark said. "We have great supporters, but there are many other large businesses that we hope will join our list of supporters to help the kids and the fair, that's such an important part of our culture and community. I think we have untapped potential for monetary support in Junior Livestock Auction helps Northwest Arkansas youth learn and earn 16 2023 Benton County Fair