The farm-to-table trend has been growing in New Hampshire since the mid-1990s. Helping to drive this is the demand from consumers to know where their food is coming from and to be able to purchase locally. The N.H. 4-H Livestock Show & Auction is an opportunity for consumers to do both. 4-H members ages 8 to 18 from around the state came together at the Hopkinton State Fair on Sept. 2, and provided buyers the opportunity to purchase an animal they had raised right here in N.H.
Throughout the day, youth were on hand to answer questions about their market animal projects. In the morning, buyers had the opportunity to observe market classes before the auction in which an outside judge placed the animals based on their readiness for market that day. Bidding began in the afternoon and continued until all 26 animals had been auctioned off. Rick Lemay from LeMay and Sons in Goffstown, was on hand to provide buyers guidance with processing options and transported animals for buyers wanting that service.
The N.H. 4-H Market Animal project is a year round commitment for the 4-Hers participating.
During the project, members participate in educational sessions to grow their skills around animal health, food and nutrition. They also attend workshops on marketing and communications and actively work year-round to promote their project and recruit potential buyers. A 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each animal goes back to the 4-Her and often will be used to help start their next year’s project.
To learn more about the show, contact Michelle Bersaw-Robblee at michelle.bersaw@unh.eduor 796-2151.