Locals support FFA and 4H members

By Lynnette Hoffman


Locals support FFA and 4H members

FFA and 4H livestock sale on Saturday, August 22 in the Chehalis Livestock Sale Barn.

On Saturday evening, August 22, Lewis County business owners and residents turned out to support the local FFA (Future Farmers of American) and 4H at the Chehalis Livestock Sale Barn. This is an event that usually occurs at the fair, but due to Covid the fair was cancelled.

Youth in the area raise livestock or poultry for projects in FFA and 4H and then sell them for extra money. During the fair, they will show these animals for placement. If the animal is a blue ribbon winner, chances are it will bring more price per pound. This is a great way for our youth to learn how to care for animals, show them and also work hard for extra money.

Emma from Onalaska was selling her pig, she stated "My sister started doing this and now I am. I have been doing this since I was in pee wee's and here I am doing it now, Pretty cool huh?" You can tell Emma is enjoying what she is doing.

Tyler from Chehalis stated, "I was born into this and I like it. I wouldn't do anything else, I love it and that's why I do it. Tyler was selling his angus steer. This is his last year and you could tell, he would miss being able to continue showing his steer.

Commissioner Gary Stamper, attended the event, "The turnout was incredible under the circumstances. It was great to see so many people supporting our local FFA and 4-H members. I got to see a lot of former students who are sharing their love of this event with their own children. This is just another reason it is great to live in Lewis County."

They offered turkey's which went for $13-14 per pound, chickens went for up to $14 per pound. Beef started at $5.00 per pound and went as high as $7.00. It was the first year for dairy and Jersey's went for as much as $12 per pound with Holstein's going for around $9.50. They also offered rabbits for around $15 per lb. Lamb went from $8.50 to $18, goats, as high as $20 but as low as $11.50 per pound. Pigs were anywhere from $7.00 to $22.00. This is a fundraiser for many young adults and people were there to support them.

Candidate Lindsey Pollock was also at the event, she stated, "I started out as a member of 4H when I was 8 years old and stayed in it until I graduated high school. I still support it to this day. 4H provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. Through life-changing 4H programs, nearly six million kids and teens have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all. The FFA provides a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. I had a great time this evening at the FFA 4H Sale at the Chehalis Sale Barn."

It was great to see the different businesses there supporting the youth, Les Schwab, the Farm Store, Dr. Waggoner, J J Sauter, Rolling Hills Veterinary Clinic and many more.

Commissioner Edna Fund was also at the event, she stated, "So grateful this event was pulled together for all our kids who were raising animals for the Southwest Washington Fair. Looking around the auction ring at the Chehalis Livestock Market just made me proud of Lewis County showing up to support the 4H and FFA members. Also, it made me think about my Dad, Bill Gorter, who came to this sale barn every Friday for years. He would also be happy with our county's support for agriculture."

While the price per pound was a little higher than market value today, there is no doubt this is about supporting our youth, not necessarily paying the cheapest price. The youth had a great time but it was truly the adults who were enjoying it the most. Watching bidders, laughing with each other as the other out bid them was the thrill of the evening. Laughter was not lost in the room.