Bidders Guide and Auction FAQ's

Bidders Guide and Frequently Asked Questions About Auction

The animals in this auction have been reared by local 4-H members in good standing who have completed the mandatory classes and requirements to be eligible for the sale. This program requires each participant to learn and utilize advanced animal husbandry skills, marketing acumen, the ability to communicate effectively, and to efficiently solve problems. There are many goals for the program, such as inspire responsibility, promote collaboration and sharing of knowledge, set a positive youth example for the public at large, provide opportunity for 4-H youth to earn income and teach and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Once purchased you may have the animal processed to your specifications, you can take it home to resell it to someone else, or you can take it home and keep it as a pet.

The bidding will be competitive but that makes it all the more fun!

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Is there a difference in the first place and last place animal?

All of the animals are blue ribbon premium animals. These animals represent a perfect animal when judged against others in its species and class. To further refine the sections, the judges will rank the animals against each other.You should choose the animal that is right for you based on size, look, and the youth that has raised it.

How do I get the animal home?

If you plan on taking the animal home alive it is up to you to personally transport it to your farm. We are happy to help plan for this.

If you are going to have this animal processed into meat:Jason and the youth will schedule a phone or zoom meeting with you after the auction to discuss processing. (what kind of steaks or sausage you want) and they will transport the animals to the processing plant (So EASY!).Once the meat is ready, the 4-H auction participant will pick up the meat and personally deliver it to you at your convenience if you are with an hours driving distance from our office. If you are outside of an hour then a pick up date and time will be arranged at our office in Kingston. (the cost of processing is not included in the sale price but the final cost can be calculated during your meeting)

Where does the money go?

The entire purchase amount of the sale goes back to the 4-H member. The money is used to purchase next year’s project animal and to pay future costs such as feed, vet bills, and supplies. Many of our participants save the money to be used for college expenses or their first car.

Is there a difference in taste?

This is not your typical meat from the store. This animal has been raised with the utmost care and attention by a local community member. Most folks will tell you that this is the most humane and best tasting meat they have ever purchased.

I don’t know anything about ‘types of cuts’?

Once you purchase the animal, we will be more than glad to help you decide how to ‘dress’ it.

Can I see the animals before the auction?

Yes, the lots will be available for viewing on the auction website a week before the event.

I want beef but I can’t afford a whole steer.

It is very common for two or more families or a local business to purchase one animal. Once the processing is complete, the meat can be divided up as necessary. This is a great idea for a company barbecue!

Is the cost of processing the meat included in the auction?

No, the processing costs are separate. Expect to pay (approximately):

Steer: $50 + .55/lb Hog: $50 + .50/lb Lamb: $75.00 total Goat: $70.00 total

Chicken: $5.00 total Duck: $15.00total Turkey: $ 10.00 total

What percent of the animal is actual meat?

Approximately 62% of a steer, 74% of a hog, and 50% of a lamb.

A 1250 lb steer yields approx. 775 lbs of meat

A 250 lb hog yields approx. 186 lbs of meat.

A 125 lb lamb yields approx. 63 lbs of meat.

What would this meat cost in a grocery store?

Once the animal is processed, if you purchased the same cuts of meat in a food store, you would pay:

The 775 lbs from a steer would average about $7.50/lb.

The 250 lbs from a hog would average close to $5.75/lb.

The 125 lbs from a lamb would average close $10.00/lb. 

Can a company or business purchase an animal?

Businesses are more than welcome to purchase an animal. Every year the auction has purchased by banks, construction companies, grocery stores, insurance companies, home builders, and realtors – to name a few.

Beyond helping support local youth, your business name will be advertised far and wide as a successful bidder, you will be featured in various Cornell Cooperative newsletters and web notices, and you will receive a personal thank you letters from the youth.

What does a company do with the animals?

Companies have many options once they purchase an animal.

These include but are not limited to:

Use the processed meat as a summer bonus for the company employees.

Have the meat processed and sent to a caterer for a company picnic.

Have the meat processed and sent to a charitable organization (i.e., women’s shelter, food bank).

Join us in supporting our local agriculturally minded youth!

Last updated August 10, 2020