Butler County 4-H club members and FFA chapter members will be presenting their livestock project animals for sale to the public at the 29th annual Junior Livestock Sale on Aug. 10 at the Butler Farm Show. The event begins at 7 p.m.

This year about 40 steer, 120 hogs, and 65 lambs will be sold to the highest bidder. In addition, meat rabbits and market goats will be presented for sale. The order of sale will be rabbits, goats, hogs, lambs, and steers. Buyers from previous years who are interested in purchasing animals again this year should note the change in sale order from 2005.

Livestock projects such as hogs, lambs, steers, rabbits, poultry, and goats offer youth more than a blue ribbon at the Farm Show or some extra spending money when their animal is sold. Responsibility is a major part of owning and showing an animal. In addition to the knowledge gained about animal care, skills such as responsibility, money management and sportsmanship are a part of the project experience that will last a lifetime.

The animal depends on the 4-H or FFA member for food, shelter and care. The day-to-day care and the extra effort required to produce a top quality market animal to show and sell requires a commitment of time and energy.

Money management also is a part of livestock projects. Purchasing the animal, the food it eats, bedding, barn space rental, hauling bills, and veterinary fees all must be recorded, totaled, and subtracted from the final selling price. The difference is either profit or loss.

Many youth have found that when hours of tending and caring for an animal are divided into the profit, the minimum wage made by their friends working behind the fast food counter looks good.

Animal projects also teach members about ration and nutrition, hygiene and veterinary procedures, skills in showing and preparing animals for show and sportsmanship. Winning is not always possible, but being in the ring helps to make all better for the experience.

Anyone interested in purchasing a top quality market animal is invited to participate in the Junior Livestock Sale. Animals to be offered for sale will be on display throughout the week of the Butler Farm Show.

For more information concerning the Junior Livestock Sale, contact the Butler County Extension Office, 101 Motor Pool Way, Butler, PA 16001. The telephone number is 724-287-4761.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, Extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing Home complex.