WCF Youth Market Auction 2026
August 30th, 2026 at 6:00pm

WASHINGTON COUNTY YOUTH MARKET AUCTION,

August 30th, 2026 at 6:00pm Washington County Fair

is host to many youth livestock presenters each year. These talented young farmers spend many hours preparing their animals to show each August. Livestock projects demonstrate the values and character of farm life through cooperation among participants before and during the fair, a strengthened sense of community, and a commitment to the humane treatment of animals.

 

The Youth Market Livestock Auction presents a unique opportunity for the larger community to invest in the future of young farmers. Raising livestock for the fair requires significant time and expense for proper care, training, and preparation of the animals. Selling livestock at the fair market auction is an opportunity to earn that money back, save for college, reinvest in livestock, all while experiencing first-hand the economics of agriculture as a business.

 

AUCTION OBJECTIVE:

The primary goal of the youth market auction is to encourage the exhibition and sale of high-quality livestock, including beef, sheep, swine, meat goats, poultry, and rabbits that have attained marketable weight and grade. Participants, including youth sellers and bidders/buyers, should be mindful that the prices paid for the animals may not necessarily reflect the prevailing market price at the time of the sale. The hope is that buyers will bid generously to cover the individual exhibitor's additional expenses. It is mandatory that any animal sold in the auction is suitable for processing at the time of the sale.

 

FAQ

What animals may be auctioned?

Steers or Market Heifers, Hogs, Lambs, Goats, Rabbits, Poultry

 

How many animals can I sell?

2 animal per species and 4 entries total

 

When do I need to own my animal(s)?

All auction animals must meet the ownership date requirement. Date of ownership is as follows:

Steers or Market Heifers: January 1, 2026  

Hogs: March 1, 2026

Lambs: April 1, 2026

Goats: April 1, 2026

Rabbits: June 1, 2026

Chicken July 22, 2026

Poultry: May 1, 2026

 

What is the minimum – maximum weight and age (by opening day of fair) my animal must be to participate in the auction?

Steers or Market Heifers: 1,000 – 1,500 lbs, at least 1 year and under 2 years of age  

Hogs: 180 – 280 lbs, farrowed January 1st – May 20th, 2026  

Lambs: 80 – 175 lbs, at least 3 months and under 1 year of age  

Goats: 60 – 175 lbs, at least 6 months and under 1 year of age (must be meat or meat cross)

Rabbits: (Currently no market rabbit classes exist) If there is interest one will be created so rabbits can be sold Poultry: 8 – 10 lbs, cannot exceed 9 weeks of age as of August 19, 2026 only blue ribbon poultry eligible for auction

 

Do I have to show my animal at the Washington County Fair in order to participate in the auction?

Yes.  Your auction animal will also need to receive a blue or red ribbon in its class to participate.

 

How will my buyer purchase my animal?

All weighed animals will be sold by the pound. Poultry and rabbits will be sold by the lot. All buyers need to be present at the auction to bid on animals. Upon winning the bid, the buyer will make payment via check or money order to WCF?

 

What happens to my animal after the auction?

All animals sold at auction will go to a designated USDA or state custom approved slaughter facility, unless other arrangements are made by the buyer. When a buyer requests the animal be processed for his own use, he/she takes possession of the processed carcass at the packinghouse. The cost of slaughter, processing and packaging is the buyer’s responsibility.

 

How will I get my money?

You will receive your money via a check from the Washington County Fair after you have turned in a buyer thank you note, and project record book and your animal has been dropped off at the butcher.

 

What fees are there?

No fees are put on the youth exhibitor.  

 

Who will pay for the processing?

The buyer will pay for the cost of processing when they pick up their meat

 

 

Auction Requirements Checklist

1. Youth must complete and submit a record book upon completion of the project

2. Animals must meet all WCF health requirements, and pass all Vet Checks

3. Animals must meet the weight requirements

4. Animals must be exhibited at the fair

5. Youth must send 10 letters per species to potential buyers. Youth should also follow up with in-person visits to their potential buyers