How do I bid on an animal?

You may bid on an animal in person at one of our auctions or through a proxy-bidder.

To bid in person, come to the auction.  Pick up a sale order (or preview it on-line just before the sale), which identifies each member and their animal by numbered lot.  Take your seat in the crowd and wait for that child to parade their animal through the ring.  The auctioneer will identify the child and ask for bids in price per pound.  Raise your hand to bid.  A ringman will acknowledge your bid.  If you are the highest bidder, the ringman will ask for your name.  A business card or paper with correctly spelled name, address and telephone number helps the sales staff and allows us to properly acknowledge you.  A 4-H or FFA member will deliver a Buyer Placard and sales slip/receipt to you in the stand.  Remain in your seat so that our members can find you.  Please sign the sales slip and choose a processing, resale or donation option.  See How do I complete the Buyer Receipt/Sales Slip

If you cannot attend the auctions but want to purchase an animal, you may bid through a proxy-bidder.  See I can’t be there, how do I buy tab.

 

What if the animal I want to buy is not selling alone?  

In order to expedite the sale, hogs may be sold in pen lots of two or three.   The auctioneer will ask for bids on the combined weight of the animals in the lot.  Buyers must bid on the entire pen.  However, multiple buyers can share the cost of the lot, either by dividing the entire lot cost or by paying for a specific animal in the lot.  The bank staff will bill as directed by the buyers.  Auction volunteers can assist buyers with finding partners to share the cost of the pen lot. The most seamless buyer partnerships are arranged prior to the sale with your friends or business associates.  Please note that the person who signs the slip will be the contact/responsible party.

 

Click here for a simple flow chart of the auction process. 

I want to buy with a partner, how is that done?

The auctioneer will ask for bids on each lot.  One buyer may purchase the lot, or a group of buyers may share the cost of the animal(s).  One person from the group must do the bidding.  If that individual is the highest bidder, the group of buyers must indicate on the sales slip how the purchase will be divided, i.e. divide the cost equally, a specific buyer wants to purchase a specific animal in the lot…

 

How do I pay?

Washington Federal bank staff members are available for buyers who wish to pay during or after the sale.  Visa/Mastercard and business/personal checks are accepted.  Buyers may also be invoiced for payment within 10 days.

 

What do I do with the meat?

If you decide to keep the meat, you will need to choose a processor.  The Sale Order has a list of processors and prices.  When the member delivers your Sales Slip, you must indicate where you want that animal to be delivered.  It will be your responsibility to contact that business and give cutting & wrapping instructions.

 

What can you do with the meat once it is processed?

  • Keep the quality, locally raised meat for yourself.
  • Give gifts to friends and relatives.
  • Split it with friends or family.
  • Donate to your favorite charity or organization
  • Have a barbecue with your employees
  • Use it for a fundraiser
  • Employee incentive programs
  • Promote 4-H & FFA blue ribbon meats in your restaurant or grocery.

 

How much meat will I end up with?

The following figures are on average and are an approximation.

A 120 lb. lamb will yield 72 lbs. of carcass that will result in 46 lbs. of useable meat.

A 250 lb. hog will yield 185 lbs. of carcass that will result in 185 lbs. of usable meat.

A 1200 lb. steer will yield 720 lbs. of carcass that will result in 430 lbs. of usable meat.

A 100 lb. goat will yield 60 lbs. of carcass that will result in 40 lbs. of usable meat.

 


I can’t be there, how can I buy?

If you want to purchase an animal but are unable to attend the auction, a volunteer will serve as a proxy bidder.  Contact the individuals listed below or send a person of your choice.  You will want to identify which child you want to support, your maximum price per pound and whether you want to keep, donate or resell the animal.  The proxy bidder will complete the Sales Slip and the Washington Federal bank staff will send an invoice.

 

Rick Anderson 541-601-8038

Ron Anderson  541-821-3107

Gary Bedell 541-951-0972

John Dimick  541-821-4631

Jeremy Kennedy 541-821-1293

JB Dimick 541-840-8016

Lesile Richardson 541-890-9010

 

How does buy back work?

The buy-back/ resale program is a convenience for buyers who want to support 4-H & FFA members, but do not want to keep the meat for personal consumption.  It significantly reduces the purchase price.  The Auction committee contracts with a third-party who will purchase animals at market price.  That price is published in the Sale Order.   If you want to sell your animal through our buy-back/resale program, you simply check the Resale box on the Sales Slip (click here to see how to complete the sales slip).  Your purchase cost is then reduced by the market price for that animal.  For example, if you purchase a 1200 pound steer for $2.00 per pound, your cost will be $2,400.00.  If you opt to sell it through our buy-back/resale program at the published market price of $1.00 per pound, your cost will be $1,200.00.

 

Tax Deductibility

While it is important to confirm with your tax accountant, purchases made through the Junior Livestock Auction are considered a donation and all or part may be tax deductible.  The Tax .I.D. # is 93-1247291.

There are two types of buyers, businesses and private/individual.   Businesses may use their purchase as an advertising or business expense.  Individuals may use the purchase as a contribution “write-off”.

 

Processing Costs

If you choose to keep the animal, you will need to determine where it will be processed.  The Auction Committee will transport the animal to the processor.  A list of processors, as well as kill, cut & wrap charges are printed in the Sale Order.  Once the animal is delivered, it is your responsibility to contact the processor with cutting & wrapping instructions, and to arrange for meat pick-up.  Processing costs are based on the weight of the carcass and are an addition to the purchase cost.

 

How do I complete the Sales Slip/Buyer Receipt?

Once you have successfully bid on an animal, a 4-H or FFA member will deliver a Sales Slip/Buyer Receipt to you in the stands.  Please remain seated until they find you.  This slip will serve as your receipt as well as provide instructions for the auction staff.

Click here to learn how to fill out the Sales Slip / Buyer Receipt.