The Churchill County Jr. Livestock Show & Sale will be a different this year due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines. The decisions to transition from a physical show at the fairgrounds to a virtual sale online was driven by the young people showing animals themselves, according to Karen Bogdanowicz of the Cooperative Extension Office.
“Many of the exhibitors wanted to do their part to protect the buyers, many of whom are older,” Bogdanowicz said. “The kids didn’t want to put the buyers or the community at risk.”
The exhibitors have their animals ready for market and to give them an outlet, the show is going online. The virtual show will be April 23 and 24 and the virtual auction is April 25 and 26.
Instead of showing their animals in the ring at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, exhibitors are filming their animals at home, submitting that video to online judges and then awaiting the results.
“We are disappointed they won’t experience firsthand the community and camaraderie that the Livestock Show brings this year, but the switch to a virtual show doesn’t detract the kids from why they raise animals in the first place,” said Rusty Diaz, 4-H livestock leader. “It teaches them about hard work, being responsible and about time management. It teaches them how to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Life lessons they won’t forget, and for which they’ll always be thankful.’
For those interested in buying these high-quality market or breeding animals and supporting the local 4-H and FFA exhibitors, please register now for a buyer’s account.
Bogdanowicz will notify the winning bidders with information and options for harvesting the meat and processing and packaging it at the conclusion of the event.
For more information, please contact Karen Bogdanowicz at Churchill County 4-H at (775)427-2480.