August 20, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Michigan Commission of Agriculture Chair James Byrum are encouraging top bids for prize livestock raised by Michigan 4-H and FFA members that will be placed on the auction block during the annual Youth Livestock Auction on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at the Michigan State Fair in Detroit.

“The State Fair provides Michigan’s youth with a chance to earn money for college and gives all of us the opportunity to support our agriculture community - a critical part of our economy,” said Granholm. “I encourage Michigan businesses and individuals to support these youth and their education by offering generous bids during this year’s auction.”

The auction takes place immediately following the fair’s annual Governor’s Reception, which is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am. The event features steers, hogs and lambs, including those receiving “Grand Champion” and “Reserve Grand Champion” honors. In addition, attendees may bid on the “Best of Class” Michigan wines, “Grand Champion” cheese, “Best” butter and “Champion” gallon of milk.

Buyers of the “Grand Champion” and “Reserve Grand Champion” animals have an opportunity to meet Governor Granholm and have their names prominently displayed for more than 400,000 visitors to view throughout the Michigan State Fair.

The 2006 top bidders include: Kroger Co., which purchased the Grand Champion steer exhibited by Bradley McNary of Brown City for $20,000; Kowalski Sausage Company, which purchased the Grand Champion hog exhibited by Heather Depcinski of Cass City for $12,000; and Meijer, Inc., which purchased the Grand Champion lamb exhibited by Ashleigh Sonnenberg of Lambertville for $9,000.

For more information on the Youth Livestock Auction, contact Jeff Haarer, Michigan Department of Agriculture, at 517-241-2865.

The Michigan State Fair begins Wednesday, Aug. 22 and runs through Monday, September 3. It’s located at the corner of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Detroit. For more information, visit www.michiganstatefair.com.

Click here for pictures from last year's Youth Livestock Auction.