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Faircracker SUMMER 2020


Help 4-H and FFA Exhibitors Sell Their Projects—continued On my website agnewstoday.com, I did weekly updates with a colored map of Florida as a quick reference site followed by detailed


data. On both forms of media, I also gave tips for first time buyers on cuts of meats, freezer sizes and more. Thousands shared these posts. Afterwards many Fairs and supporters thanked me as they had buyers from all over Florida from not only within but also outside of their Counties. Sarasota County Fair acted quickly. While their Fair had to be closed, they were able to slip in their livestock and plant auction a few


days before total shutdown of any group gatherings of more than 50 occurred. They only allowed buyers to come in. Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show developed the first ever online auction of 4-H


and FFA market projects. Fair Administrator Kim Wojcieszak said their members put in days of late hours, sweat and teamwork into developing the youth online auction. The Show teamed up with the youth, as well as contacted businesses and individu- als plus they were active on social media. Their efforts paid off. According to Kim, “513 buyer profiles were created, 513 buyer profiles made bids, 976 PAGES of tracked bids with about 29,280 bids placed for a total of 282 market animals were sold!” Kim said if anyone wants to learn how they put together an online auction for 4-H and FFA exhibitors , they can contact her at okeechobeeyls@gmail.com Cailyn Hilton, Associate Director of Development Florida 4-H, helped me put to-


gether a special Zoom meeting inviting Fairs and supporters across Florida to par- ticipate. Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show members explained with Q&A the blue- print they developed to help Fairs planning an online auction. I have a ton more positive stories about each Fair, as to how together with their


communities, 4-H Agents, FFA Advisors and those outside their Counties plus with their active social media outreach, they were able to help these 4-H and FFA youth. Stories such as one Fair dipping into their emer- gency fund to help offset the youth exhibitors’ losses while helping them find buyers. Others held small, private sales before State mandates were tightened. Some still required record books as they helped the youth find buyers, knowing that books are part of the project and encourage youth development. When a Fair sold out, they would recommend other County Fairs to potential buyers. Flori- da Federation of Fairs was HIGHLY active on their FB page helping to spread the word of the need for buyers, while fielding tons of calls from Fair Boards and communities Statewide with closure questions In summary, about 14 Fairs were canceled due to the virus that impacted youth exhibitors all over the State of Florida. Those Coun-


Okeechobee Livestock Committee


ties were Citrus (see story on page 20), Clay, Collier, Escambia, Flagler, Hernando, Lake, Indian River, Miami Dade, Okeechobee, Putnam, Sarasota, Santa Rosa, Suwanee, and Union. The good news is I heard that in every County ALL their 4-H and FFA livestock projects sold. In some cases, youth broke even, but in others they did not. Yet, the losses would have been greater without teamwork. Moving forward as the fall and spring Fair season preps, I encourage Fairs to work closely with their livestock and other committees


in answering this question - If the virus rebounds affecting your Fair- what is plan B for the youth exhibitors? 4-H and FFA youth across the State have already purchased and are expending dollars in the feed and care for their steers, hogs,


lambs, plants, arts and crafts etc. for your event. Brainstorm a plan B. Require photos of exhibitors with their project to help with social or online auction marketing purposes if needed. Reach out to Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show for online youth auction ideas okee- chobeeyls@gmail.com. Contact Jessica Davila jessica@redlandstock.com for tips on how to sell to individuals. Reach out to other County Fairs to see what they did. Hopefully, you never have to enact a plan B, but your motto should be “Plan for the worst and hope for the best”. Special thank you to all the Fairs for all that you do. The virus-related shutdowns impacted not only the youth but also your Fair fi-


nances as well. As we all know – no Fair equals no income for your employees, vendors, exhibitioners and more. Praying for better days ahead.


Stephanie Collins: Agnewstoday.com


Florida FFA Honorary Degree, Florida Friend of 4-H, Ag Journalist of the Year 2009 by Florida Farm Bureau, Twice Nominated Florida 4-H Hall of Fame and other awards for youth advocacy.


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