4-H Virtual Auctions: Youth Participant FAQ
June 4, 2020 - Michigan State University Extension
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How will individual animals be identified?
- Market animals should have an official fair tag like a back tag to identify animals. This will be easier than trying to read RFID tags or Scrapies tags. Official tag numbers, like the RFID tag, should be recorded by the youth member and kept as part of the official record on their project animal.
When does participant information need to be uploaded onto the FairEntry site?
- 4-H members should be prepared to upload photos at the time of registration, typically 1-2 weeks prior to the typical fair date. Videos may be added at a later date but prior to the judging and/or sale date. This will allow time for judges to complete their evaluation of projects and provide potential buyers an opportunity to view animals that will be auctioned off.
How can youth advertise their market projects?
- Contacting potential buyers ahead of time will be critical to your success. Failure to promote your livestock projects may result in a lack of bidders for your project during the virtual auction.
- Virtual contacts are encouraged.
- Resources are being developed that can be shared with potential buyers to explain what a virtual auction is and how it will work.
- Resources are available to help buyers understand the amount of product to expect when an animal is processed.
- It is recommended that you begin making contact with potential buyers at least one month prior to the virtual showcase and auction site going live.
Do youth still need to complete YQCA?
- Yes, if this is a requirement of your local 4-H program, processor or stockyard.
How will the sale order be determined?
- If animals are placed in your virtual showcase, the Grand and Reserve Champion animals may be identified and located at the top of their species. All other animals of the same species will be listed in alphabetical order by the last name of the youth member.
How will animal weights be determined?
- If animals cannot be transported to a certified scale to receive the certified weight required by the State of Michigan to sell by the pound they will sell by the head.