Butler County 4-H Club members and Future Farmers of America chapter members will be presenting their livestock project animals for sale to the public at the 28th annual Junior Livestock Sale.

The sale will be Thursday, beginning at 7 p.m., at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in Connoquenessing Township.

This year, about 40 steers, 100 hogs and 60 lambs will be sold to the highest bidder. In addition, meat rabbits, market goats and poultry will be presented for sale. The order of sale will be: goats, poultry, rabbits, lambs, steers and hogs.

Buyers from previous years who are interested in purchasing animals again this year should note the change in sale order from 2004.

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 is also 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 makes everyone better for the experience.

Anyone interested in purchasing a top-quality market animal is invited to participate in the

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ale. 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, or call 724-287-4761.

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