The 2020 Colorado’s Electric Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale will be held Tuesday, September 1 beginning at 3:30pm at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, with approximately 100 4-H and FFA youth scheduled to sell their prize winning beef, pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys and chickens.
Numerous distinguished guests will be supporting the event both virtually and on site, including Governor Jared Polis, Colorado State Senate President Leroy Garcia, State Representatives Daneya Esgar, Bri Buentello, and Donald Valdez, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. Several buyers groups, including the famed Denver Rustlers will also be participating.
“I’m proud of the hard work that has brought Colorado’s 4-H and FFA youth to this point,” said Governor Polis. “I look forward to celebrating this generation of leaders safely in person and letting them know how important they are for our state. This year's participants are the future of agriculture in our state and their dedication, enthusiasm for their youth projects is inspiring. I’m looking forward to meeting them at this year’s event.”
Youth exhibitors from across Colorado will participate in the event, and are required to keep a detailed record book of their animal project while learning responsibility, leadership, showmanship, and best animal care practices. The sale will be live-streamed this year on the Colorado State Fair website.
“Our youth competitors have shown such resolve and resiliency in the wake of the many challenges the COVID-19 crisis has thrown them,” said Colorado State Fair General Manager Scott Stoller. “Above all, this event is a reflection of their hard work and dedication to their animals.”
The sale is instrumental in supporting the future of Colorado’s agribusiness, as it demonstrates the importance of raising quality livestock and the work required of those who pursue careers in agriculture. The 40-year tradition has raised more than $10.5 million for youth over the last four decades. More than $500,000 was raised at last year’s sale.
“Because of the tireless work of our State Fair staff, volunteers, board and young competitors statewide, this Colorado tradition is able to continue this year,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “It’s a real testament to the value our state places on the future of agriculture here.”
A representative of the Denver Rustlers will bid at the auction on the group’s behalf this year, as members will not be on site in compliance with public health orders. The animals purchased by the Denver Rustlers every year are donated to local charities.
Those interested in bidding in the auction remotely are invited to participate through the real time Live Auctions platform. Registration will open the morning of the auction on September 1 and the registration process takes about 10 minutes.
The fairgrounds are not open to the public this season. Competitive events are operating in close coordination with local and state health officials with strict indoor and outdoor health protocols in place, including limited guests accompanying youth competitors.
Tickets for the 2021 Colorado State Fair will be available for purchase on September 10. FAQs related to the modified 2020 State Fair can be found here. Photos of the 2019 fair are available here. Additionally, visit the Colorado State Fair website, Facebook page @colostatefair, or call 719-561-8484 for the latest updates and information.
The mission of the Colorado State Fair is to create an entertaining, inspiring, and educational inter-generational experience highlighting the preservation, promotion and exposition of our State’s vibrant and diverse agriculture, industry and culture. The State Fair is a division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture.