State Fair bringing back Sale of Champions to benefit youth livestock activities

After several years on hiatus, the Youth Livestock Sale of Champions will return to this year’s State Fair of Virginia at 6 p.m. on Oct. 3.

The sale will follow 4-H and FFA livestock shows and will feature the auction of grand champion and reserve champion market steers, hogs, lambs and goats. It will support the fair’s long-standing commitment to the hundreds of youth who compete for scholarship money through the State Fair Scholarship Program.

“The State Fair of Virginia provides a multitude of opportunities to showcase exceptional young leaders, and the return of a Sale of Champions will certainly be a great opportunity to showcase youth who achieved great success showing their livestock,” said Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, vice president of operations for The Meadow Event Park, where the fair is held. “The real story behind the sale is the long hours and commitment to animal care that took place before the youth even arrived at the fair.

“It’s important for the general public to understand that the success of agriculture and our ability to feed the world are dependent on the younger generations remaining engaged and interested in agriculture.”

Access to the show is included in paid fair admission. Winning bidders will not take possession of auction animals; rather, sale proceeds are donations in support of the youth livestock program. Sale details are available on the fair’s website at StateFairVa.org, under “Attractions” and then “Special Events.”

The State Fair offers youth up to $70,000 each year in scholarship money through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.