The culmination of months of hard work will be on display Saturday when the 4-H and FFA Market Livestock Sale takes place at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo on Aug. 16.  

Hogs, steers and lambs will be for sale during the auction that begins at 8 a.m. at the Trade Center at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.  

Out of more than 1,000 youth participants enrolled in 4-H and FFA, approximately 300 are dedicated to market livestock projects, according to the Flathead Livestock Sale Organization.  

The goal of the sale is to invest in the future of agriculture through Flathead County youth by offering an educational experience in selecting, feeding and marketing a finished product, according to organizers. The sale is the final step in each youth’s livestock project.  

Market livestock projects not only inspire future careers in agriculture and animal sciences, but also create meaningful connections between students, buyers, and the broader community.  

Competitor Coy Braaten is exploring opportunities in agriculture, potentially taking over the family farm or working with swine or meat processing. 

“The biggest thing for me is when I see them go, I appreciate that they serve a purpose,” Braaten says of the animal. “That I can provide something to feed people, and that always helps me.” 

Students who raise each animal get to keep all of the money they make from the sale and many use the money to purchase an animal for next year or start a savings account. 

The impact goes far beyond the show ring. Many buyers generously donate animals to local food banks, and other nonprofit organizations, helping to feed families and seniors in need. 

Last year’s sale total was about $930,000.  

The sale included 49 steers, averaging $4.87 per pound,  which generated $315,426. 

A total of 180 hogs were sold at an average price of $11.74 per pound, resulting in $535,733 in sales. 

Additionally, 39 lambs were sold, averaging $15.29 per pound, totaling $81,452. 

Charitable donations included five steers, 36 hogs, and 18 lambs.  

The buyer’s appreciation breakfast begins at 7 a.m. hosted by the Flathead County 4-H Foundation and the sale begins after. For more information, visit flatheadlivestock.org.