Animals
People young and old love to meet the animals at their local fairs. Farm animal exhibits help teach fairgoers about where food and fiber come from and the great deal of care and hard work that goes into raising animals. Take a walk through your fair's livestock area to see the cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and more.
Fairs showcase our favorite feathered friends, like chickens and exotic birds, as well as our much loved cuddly critters, like rabbits and guinea pigs. If your tastes are for the slimy and scaly, fairs also feature amphibians and reptiles. Love creepy crawlies? Some fairs even have insect exhibits.
Be sure to check with your local fair to find out what kinds of animals will be on display during your visit. To find a fair near you, click on the listing of fairs.
Junior Livestock Auction
Most fairs have Junior Livestock Auctions that are open to young people who are members of 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), or Grange, as well as independent participants. The Junior Livestock Auction is the culmination of a year's worth of hard work and represents a substantial investment of time and effort. Participants must select and purchase their animals, care for them throughout the year, show them at the fair, and then auction the animal at fair time. Junior Livestock Auctions provide young people with valuable agri-business experience, and the money they earn goes toward helping them achieve their educational goals.
If you are interested in participating in a Junior Livestock Auction, please contact your local fair for entry rules and information. To learn more about 4-H, FFA, and Grange, or to find a chapter near you, please visit their websites:
If you would like to support agriculture education by purchasing an animal at a Junior Livestock Auction, please contact your local fair for more information. To find a fair near you, click on the listing of fairs.