Friday, August 13, 2010 "I don’t know a lot about cows, but I know I like cheeseburgers…"
Since I attended this year’s auction, I thought it would be fun to give you a look at what the evening entailed, as well as some history about the program.
The Governor’s Auction, held every year at the Wisconsin State Fair, gives Wisconsin youth an opportunity to showcase high quality 4-H or FFA projects. More than 600 state fair junior exhibitors compete with their swine, sheep and beef market animals for a spot in the auction.
Junior fair exhibitors, who win an auction spot, sell their animals with proceeds going to the exhibitor as well as the annual youth scholarship fund. In total, 27 junior market steers, barrows and lambs are auctioned.
Dayne wasn’t the only famous face at the grounds. The fair was full of popular figures including Governor Jim Doyle, former University of Wisconsin–Madison athletic director Pat Richter, members of Wisconsin’s marching band, and most famous of all … Bucky Badger. The band pumped up the crowd with a stadium like presence as they played the time honored Varsity, and On Wisconsin.
It was 12 years ago when I exhibited my beef projects. I never made it to the governor’s auction, (if I had, my student loans probably wouldn’t be as high) but since that time more than $100,000 has been awarded to more than 100 Wisconsin youth. Additionally, $50,000 in grants has been awarded to support hundreds of Wisconsin youth in agriculture programs.
Even in the 90 degree heat, buyers in the Milwaukee and Wisconsin area were still present to support Wisconsin agriculture. The champion barrow was auctioned off for $6,000, and the grand champion lamb went for $4,000. It’s assuring as a beef producer and former state fair exhibitor that the support is still present for the state’s $59 billion agriculture industry.
The Governor’s Auction is one of my favorite events at the state fair. What’s yours?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, agriculture in Food & Agriculture 
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