BY JENNY GOLDSBERRY
The animals sold at this year’s 2021 Weber County Junior Livestock Auction for a Total of $704,350 plus $160,000 in boosts (donations directly to the youth)
The Junior Livestock Show is an annual competition meant to teach kids how to raise animals. The youth organization, 4-H & FFA, prepares kids for the show every year. They believe kids “learn by doing.” Kids learn quickly when they’re handed a lamb or piglet. Plus, the kids are motivated to do well, because whatever earnings they make selling their livestock, they get to keep themselves. Award-winning animals go on a lot of walks, not only for their health but to prepare them to walk in the show. Animals are judged by their showmanship and their market value.
Laney Parker recently won 5th in her intermediate showmanship class and 3rd in her market weight class. As a result, her buyer paid $7.50/lb for her hog. She told us at Connection Publishing that she plans to save the money for now and put it towards college or a car. However, the Junior Livestock Show at the Weber County Fair has become much more than a competition. Laney says she has made friends through the junior livestock program.
The legacy of Lindsy Westergard began at the show. She raised lambs alongside her brothers. She passed away suddenly in 2019 at the age of 11. Her livestock friends embraced her family at that time. Since then, the Westergards are committed to continuing in the program with their other children, perpetuating friendships to all who participate.
There were 401 animals sold at the last Weber County Junior Livestock Auction. Altogether, they brought in $704,350 plus $160,000 in boosts (donations directly to the youth) Weber County businesses support the youth of Weber County.
CONGRATS TO THE 2021 GRAND CHAMPION WINNERS:
MARKET STEER Stockton Marriott
MARKET HOG McKylie Rowser
MARKET LAMB Jamie Elliott
MARKET GOAT Jace Clark
RESERVE CHAMPION WINNERS:
MARKET STEER Gracelyn Ellis
MARKET HOG Kaden Hatch
MARKET LAMB Brackyn Davis
MARKET GOAT Rylan Doak