The farm to table trend has been growing in NH since the mid-1990’s. Helping to drive this is the demand from consumers to know where their food is coming from and to be able to purchase locally. The NH 4-H Livestock Show & Auction is an opportunity for consumers to do both. 4-H members ages 8-18 from around the state came together at the Hopkinton State Fair on Monday, September 2, 2019 and provided buyers the opportunity to purchase an animal they had raised right here in NH. Throughout the day, youth were on hand to answer questions about their market animal projects. In the morning, buyers had the opportunity to observe market classes before the auction in which an outside judge placed the animals based on their readiness for market that day. Bidding began in the afternoon and continued until all 26 animals had been auctioned off. Rick Lemay from LeMay and Sons in Goffstown, NH was on hand to provide buyers guidance with processing options and transported animals for buyers wanting that service.
The NH 4-H Market Animal project is a year round commitment for the 4-Hers participating. During the project, members participate in educational sessions to grow their skills around animal health, food and nutrition. They also attend workshops on marketing and communications and actively work year-round to promote their project and recruit potential buyers. A 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each animal goes back to the 4-Her and often will be used to help start their next year’s project.
To learn more about the NH 4-H Livestock Show & Auction contact Michelle Bersaw-Robblee (michelle.bersaw@unh.edu, 603-796-2151).
About 4-H
4‑H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
Learn more about 4‑H at www.4‑H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4‑H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.
