The Mineral County Fair is the highlight of the 4-H year. The 2022 theme "Fun Galore in the 54" invites all ages to join in the festivities Aug. 4-6, at the Mineral County Fairgrounds in Superior.

The 4-H youth have spent countless hours on their projects perfecting them for presentation at this fair and the indoor projects which can be viewed beginning Thursday, Aug. 4. On Friday, Aug 5, the 4-H Livestock Show will kick off the weekend at 9 a.m.

“I’m excited for buyers to see the quality of livestock that will be auctioned off,” said Emily Park, MSU Extension Agent. “Without the support of our local and neighboring businesses, the sale would not be the success that it is.”

On Aug. 6 at 1 p.m., the 4-H Livestock Auction/Sale will take place at the Livestock Barn area.

What does 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) provide for our youth? It teaches valuable skills such as communication, financial management, and organization. Members learn responsibility, leadership, and community service.

For some, the profits from the sale may support their college education or the purchase of their first car.

To be eligible to participate in the sale, all youth must complete an approved Livestock Quality Assurance training at least once every four years. This training teaches them proper livestock management practices that lead to the production of safe, wholesome, high quality meat products.

The purchase a 4-H or FFA animal at the sale, assures the buyer is getting a high-quality product. These market animals are raised individually in the best conditions and on the best feed available. This is a Terminal Sale, meaning no animal going through the sale ring may be used after the sale in another 4-H show during the current 4-H year.

Anyone wishing to bid on an animal is encouraged to pre-register with the sale clerk by 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 5. MSU Extension-Mineral County Supervisor, Dave Brink shares a couple alternatives at the sale for those that want to help the 4-H program yet are not in need of the meat.

“Buyers not wishing to keep the animal they purchase may opt for ‘buy back.’ For this option, the buyer pays the difference between the bid and the base price (market) offered by a support buyer. The support buyer then pays the base price and takes delivery of the animal. Buy-back amounts are estimates and may change prior to fair,” he explained.

“Hogs buy back around 90 cents. Steers a buck forty-five and the lambs at 2 dollars.”

Brink also described another way to help the program.

“Then we have price-bumps where the person or business is not buying an animal but are interested in helping out, you may ‘bump’ an animal’s sale price by adding a fixed dollar amount to the sale price, for example, $25 or by adding money per pound to the sale price such as 25 cents per pound.”

Payment in full by cash or check may be made at the conclusion of the auction or arrangements can be made for invoices sent the week following fair with payment expected within 30 days. Processing fees are the responsibility of the buyer and while most animals are processed at Superior Meats, the choice is the buyers as to where they want the animal processed.

If the buyer chooses a processor that is not located in Mineral County, they will also be responsible for the transportation.

If people would like to be registered to bid at the sale, please email your contact information to emily.park@montana.edu and include business name, address, phone number, email, and name of person bidding. For more information or a brochure contact Emily Park at the email above or call (406) 822-3546.

Mineral County Fair books can now be picked up at various locations around the county including the MSU Extension Office, post offices and grocery stores. Inside, you will discover that "Fun Galore in the 54" has a full schedule with great food, live music, kid’s waterslides, a talent show and the “Go for the Gold” rodeo.