Youth Premium Livestock Auction – Improvement Summary

Problem
 Our county has a long-standing tradition with the Youth Premium Livestock Auction. However, over the years, it became apparent that participants and attendees often struggled to understand how the auction system works. Many were unfamiliar with auction procedures, which led to confusion—especially during the early portion of the event. It often took several animals running through the ring before the crowd began to catch on, which noticeably impacted bidding enthusiasm and resulted in a $100–$500 decrease in sale price per animal from the start of the auction to the middle.

Education & Communication
 To address this, the auction company met in advance with the committee and several parents to identify core issues. The main concern was that many in the audience were not regular auction-goers and could neither hear nor understand the auctioneer clearly. Another source of confusion was the pricing structure: the auction brochure listed a base price, and bidding began above that price. The final bidder only paid the difference between the base price and the winning bid. This format was unfamiliar and not well understood by the general public, even though it had been in place for over 4 decades.  This issue was also another reason that the committee did not want to change anything, the fear of the unknown.  

Resolving Issues
 To improve transparency and engagement without disrupting sales, the committee partnered with auction volunteers to implement several key changes:

1. Video screens were added to improve viewing and showcase participants.
2. Youth exhibitors were allowed to introduce themselves, giving the audience a personal connection and putting faces to names in person and on the video screens.  
3. Committee members were available during the auction to answer questions from bidders, parents, and exhibitors.
4. Pre-auction education was emphasized, helping attendees understand how to read the auction brochure and navigate the bidding process.

Results
 The changes made a noticeable impact. The auction ran smoothly, and the atmosphere was more energized and engaged from the very beginning.

1. Over 115 bidders registered, creating a competitive and supportive bidding environment.
2. The auction generated $72,350, with an additional $23,210 in donations from local businesses.
3. A total of 37 youth exhibitors qualified through their FFA and 4-H clubs to participate.

These improvements not only enhanced the experience for participants and buyers but also helped preserve and strengthen a valuable community tradition.