YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

Junior Livestock show hits record

The funds largely go back to the kids and teens who take part, though they don’t always necessarily turn a pro t

BY TIM VANDENACK

Standard-Examiner

OGDEN — Call it a tribute to Weber County’s would-be agronomists and a nod to the agricultural sector here.

Despite the soft economy, despite stricter guidelines at the Weber County Fair last August brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Junior Livestock Show netted more money for the young competitors than ever.

“It’s the biggest sale we ever

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had,” said County Commissioner Jim from Page 17 “It’s the biggest sale we ever had. People Harvey. “People really care about that. They understand the importance of that program.” really care about that. They understand

The final figures were just recently tabulated, and Ashton Wilson, the fair director, said sales of animals brought the importance of that program.”in $518,161 to the show’s young participants. Donations brought in another $155,488, making for a total — Jim Harvey, Weber County commissioner of $673,649, money that largely goes back to the kids and teens taking part.

Harvey said it’s the largest haul ever, and it compares to the $559,330 wasn’t a sure thing the Junior Livestock ahead with the Junior Livestock Show. The kids and teens have to learn how brought in at last year’s fair, unimpeded Show would even go forward this year. It was one of only a handful of events to buy an animal, they raise it and they by COVID-19 concerns. A total of 337 “I had parents calling constantly, won- held as part of the scaled-back Weber have to care for it until it’s ready for goats, hogs, lambs and steers were sold dering if we were going to go forward. County Fair this year. Had the show auction, though not all participants sell compared to 301 last year. ... So we had to fight for it,” Wilson been canceled, kids who had acquired their critters. They also have to create a

“It’s really rewarding to see,” Wilson said. animals dating to the spring and late report detailing the care and growth of said, attributing the sales figure to But after implementing guidelines 2019 would have had to figure out what the animals in their care. strong community support for the meant to guard against the spread of to do with the critters. “I tell everybody they ought to be program. COVID-19, including a mask require- The auction is the culmination of the involved in it,” said Marriott, citing the

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, it ment, county leaders opted to move show, after prizes for the grand and transferable skills that kids learn — budreserve champions are awarded. Buyers geting, dealing with people and more.

“Back Country Horsemen groups... are a fundamental part of trail stewWe welcome riders of all typically pay above market rates. But that doesn’t mean those taking part turn a profit given the expense of raising an Though much of western Weber County’s farmland is giving way little by little to housing subdivisions, that ardship and maintainence that provide types, ages and animal. doesn’t minimize the relevance of the access to its wilderness sections.” interests into “I’ve seen kids make a lot of money. ag sector here, nor the opportunities - Pacifi c Crest Trail Association our chapters! I’ve seen kids lose a lot of money,” in the sector, Marriott said. The stereoFor more said Chad Marriott, coordinator for typical ag-sector job of operating a farm information the Weber School District‘s career and technical education program. He helps tractor has given way to jobs in science, veterinary care and more.on how you run the agricultural component of the Indeed, Weber School District has can help keep program. doubled the number of ag teachers trails open for Whatever the case, he said partici- from seven to 14 in the last eight or equestrian use pating in the Junior Livestock Show has nine years, reflecting growing interest, in Utah visit BCHU.com or numerous benefits for those taking part. Participation in the show serves as credit for some Weber School District Marriott said. Likewise, participation in a summer ag program sponsored by the district has more than doubled in recent our Facebook ag classes and many who take part years to around 500. page ‘Back come from the system’s schools. Harvey is a big fan of the Junior Country Livestock Auction. “It teaches kids good Horsemen - things, good traits, good habits, making Wasatch Front good people of them,” he said. Chapter’. Digital Contact reporter Tim Vandenack at tvandenack@standard.net, follow him on Twitter at @timvandenack or like him on Now available @ www.standard.net/digital Facebook at Facebook.com/timvandenackreporter.