The show goes on for Davis County 4-H after the dissolution of the Davis County Fair. 112 youth from all over the county participated in the Davis County Livestock Show and Auction held this year at the Golden Spike Arena.

“Historically, the stock show was held at the Davis County Fair during the third week of August. We haven’t had a fair since 2020, when the Legacy Events Center was transitioned into a sports complex,” said Jenna Aldrich, 4-H Youth Program  Coordinator for Horse and Livestock in Davis County.

The clubs have had to adapt while they wait for a new arena to be built in Kaysville at the USU Botanical Center, expected to be completed by June of 2023.

For many West Bountiful families, participating in the Junior Livestock Program teaches valuable life skills and lessons.

“Goats, lambs, hogs and beef are raised by the kids and then they can sell them at auction for a profit. So it is supposed to mimic your livestock production as a currier - buying the animal, raising the animal, feed, nutrition and everything that goes into it and then selling them at auction for a profit,” said Aldrich.

“We actually birthed our goats in February and raised them from birth,” said West Bountiful resident Sara Burnett.

“Those goats are such a fun way for the kids to start getting involved. We always say, if you’re just getting started, goats are the best way to segway into it,” said Aldrich.

The program encourages youth to take the lead on raising and showing the animals.

“Our number one rule is that each child is responsible for the showing of their own animal in order to sell it. They have to be the one in the arena and cannot have anyone else do it,” said Aldrich.

Youth Ambassadors also provide monthly education nights, where participants and their families learn about feed, nutrition and care.

“The kids have to be in third grade and no younger than eight years old before September 1 to participate in livestock, horse and shooting sports programs,” said Aldrich.

“I love that it gives them something to do for the summer and helps them learn responsibility and how to care for something that depends on them. They learn that they have to put in the work to see real results,” said Burnett.

“The only problem is that you get so easily attached to those cute little goats,” Aldrich said.

“It’s definitely not for the tender hearted,” said West Bountiful resident Steff Clark.

The show’s grand champion and first few lambs each sold for well over $1,000, with a majority of the animals selling between $300 and $500.

“That would be considered low for another county but it was really exciting for us,” said Aldrich.

Though Davis County has a much smaller program than other counties in the state, they are beginning to gain traction.

“We are working on bringing in people who are willing to sponsor and purchase and buy at the sale and really drive up the sale price of the animal, which goes back into the kids pockets,” said Aldrich.

Many kids participate in the 4-H livestock program as a way to earn money to put away for college savings.

“The kids who participate need to be out there raising awareness and talking about their experiences in the program, so we can keep agriculture alive in Davis County,” said Aldrich.

If you are interested in participating in, sponsoring or purchasing animals from the 4-H program, contact Jenna Aldrich at [email protected].

“Each kid that raised these animals put their hard work into the care of every animal. Knowing what this animal was fed, where it was raised, how it was raised, how it was processed, helps me feel better about what I’m putting into my body,” she said.λ