Last year, a 4-H participant prepared to show her animal in the Chenango County 4-H Livestock Auction. This year, about 20 animals will be up for auction by 4-H youth at 6 p.m., Friday, August 9, in the Follett show ring at the Chenango County Fairgrounds located at 168 East Main Street. (Submitted Photo)

NORWICH — Hard work and dedication is part of the 4-H youth members daily routine as they take care of livestock in preparation of auction day at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.

The Chenango County 4-H Livestock Auction will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, August 9, in the Follett show ring at the Chenango County Fairgrounds located at 168 East Main Street.

“This scholarship program is for youth ages from eight to 18,” said 4-H Animal Science and Agriculture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension Victoria Ryan.

“A lot of the kids are new to our livestock market program but do have Ag backgrounds,” said Ryan. “This is a great learning opportunity for the kids.”

She said all of the animals are from Chenango County, raised on the 4-H youth's farms, and the kids worked with their vets making sure their animal has been raised ethically and effectively. Each 4-H kid raised them on their own for the most part.

Ryan explained there will be about 20 animals at the auction, including chicken, turkey, meat goat, lambs, rabbits and beef steer. Also, there will be filled baskets and other items to bid on. She said bidders can pick up numbers from 5 p.m. to auction time at 6 p.m.