Small Animal Auction enters sixth year at 4-H youth fair

For the Antigo Times

The Langlade County 4-H Small Animal Auction will return for a sixth time on July 30, 2017. This annual event has proven to be popular and beneficial for 4-H’ers and the community. Everyone is invited to come support our youth in the Rabbit and Poultry Barn on July 30th. A Seller Meet and Greet will be begin at 1 p.m., and at this time the interested bidders may view animals up close and talk with the sellers. Bidder registration begins at 1:30 PM. North Central Sales Auction will kick off the exciting bidding process at 2 PM.

“One of the benefits of the Small Animal Auction is that 100 percent of the purchases by area business and individuals go to the individual selling the animal. Over the past six years, many of the youth have invested their income back into their herd,” explains a Rabbit Committee member Kathy Hohensee. “This helps each 4-Her create better show stock for the next fair.”

The average winning bid over the past few years has been approximately $65 per animal, while a few animals have sold into the $100-200 range. Typically, most rabbits or poultry animals have been purchased as pet, however, a few poultry animals have gone to market. The choice is up to the buyer. The rabbit and poultry programs are very thankful for the continued support.

One rabbit seller from Tree Toppers 4-H Club, Abigail Luerssen says, “This auction benefits 4-H’ers and other youth in finding an animal to raise and care for. It could be one they bred or one they purchased. The animals sold in the auction are amazing animals that should make anyone a great pet or provide quality meat.”

Area youth have been busy breeding and raising animals for the July 30, 2017 auction. All animals will be exhibited in their breed show classes during the fair. The animals should be under a year old and of show quality. Rabbits sold in the auction must also be purebred.

This year’s auction will include a few rabbits and chickens. Auction animals will be on display for the community to view beginning Wednesday night. An auction line up of animals will be available in the barn beginning Friday of fair. Interested individuals may stop by the Rabbit and Poultry Barn anytime during fair or contact Holly Luerssen at 715- 216-4737 for more information.