At the Washington County Fair, 4-H members have the option to sell their market animals at the end of the fair week to local buyers at a live auction on the fairgrounds. In addition to sometimes receiving top dollar for their animals, youth get to shake the hand of the person who bought their animal and create an instant connection from farm to fork. Washington County 4-H/FFA members sell over 250 head of livestock at the County Fair Auction traditionally that are purchased by local businesses and personal buyers. The majority of these animals sold are processed at local meat lockers or taken to other local auctions. The County Fair Livestock Auction is a local food investment as the money goes to local youth and businesses over and over again throughout the process. The 2023 Washington County Fair Livestock Auction will be held Friday, July 21, at 8:30 a.m. in the main show ring at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Market livestock being sold include market sheep, goats, cattle, chickens, and rabbits. All interested in buying local meats and supporting Washington County youth and their livestock projects are welcome to attend. Contact Amy at the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811 with any questions.