The Jessamine County 4-H and FFA Investment in Youth Livestock Sale began in 2004 and continues to be the highlight for our livestock exhibitors each year. The 2023 Jessamine County 4-H and FFA Investment in Youth Livestock Sale was our 20th sale and a huge success once again. 44 youth offered goats, hogs and country hams - for sale as completion of their 2023 project. Our first year, we had 10 consigners in the sale, so as you can see, we have grown a great deal. This event is strongly community supported with over 150 people in attendance. The sale first earned $24,000 in 2004.  Most of this money goes back to the participant to help fund future projects.  In 2023 the sale earned a whopping $89,500, growing more than three times what it was in 2004. This sale is a collaboration of county extension agents, county ag teachers and community volunteers. We have had a great deal of success with our youth investing their earnings from the sale into various projects for themselves.  One of our participants, who has been selling a country ham in the sale since he was 9, bought his first 10 head of cattle to start a beef heard with his earnings. Another youth, has been able to invest in his new hog operation buy selling his animals and most recently his country ham. These are long term investments that our youth are getting to make because of our sale..