Livestock sale set Sunday

COLUMBUS - For the second year in a row, the 4-H/FFA Purple Ribbon Livestock Sale will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at the hog and sheep barns located at Platte County Agricultural Park.

“Last year we still sold the beef and hogs by the pound,” said Senator Arnie Stuthman of Platte Center. “This year only the beef will be sold by the pound. The rest - hogs, sheep, goats and chickens - will be sold at dollars-bid per head.”

Stuthman announced the changes at the annual Agri-Business Breakfast Thursday morning at the fair. The breakfast was sponsored by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.

Stuthman explained, in a phone interview, more detail about how the sale works.

“Each exhibitor can sell animals by the lot, which includes one beef, three or less of hogs, sheep and goats and a pen of chickens,” Stuthman said. “Chickens are three to a pen.”

Stuthman, who has been on the 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale committee for many years, also helps supporters who are unable to attend the sale by placing their bids for them.

“This is another service I provide to our supporters,” he said.

At the breakfast event, Stuthman said appreciation should be shown to the supporters of the county fair throughout the year.

“I think what you business people do is just wonderful,” he said. “I think we need to always thank those who support our county fair and the parents of these kids who make it possible for them to be in 4-H. There is just no other program like 4-H and the benefits it brings to the kids who participate in it.”

Platte County Fair schedule

Saturday, July 14

� 6:30-9 am. - Swine exhibitors breakfast, Pla-Co Pork Producers

� 7:30 a.m. - Swine Show, Hog and Sheep Barn

� 8 a.m. - Dog Show, Ag Park Arena

� 9 am. - 4-H Dog Quiz Bowl, Ag Park Arena (Working Breed Group)

� 11 a.m.-Midnight - Food Court

� Noon - Paint Ball Competition, Outdoor Arena

� Noon - Exhibit Hall opens

� Noon - Release remaining horses (unless Ag Society states otherwise)

� 1 p.m.-Midnight - Merriam's Shows and Rides, Midway

� 7:30 p.m. - Grandstand Entertainment: Chris Cagle, Reserved and General Admission

� 10 p.m. - Exhibit Hall closed for the day

Sunday, July 15

� Bracelet days: From 1-8 p.m., fairgoers may purchase a $20 bracelet for unlimited access to midway rides. No admission charge to grounds.

� 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service sponsored by Platte County Lutheran Laymen League, Grandstand (28th year)

� 11 a.m.-Midnight - Food Court

� Noon - Exhibit Hall opens

� Noon - Antique Tractor Pull, Free Admission

� 1 p.m. - 4-H and FFA Purple Ribbon Livestock Sale, Hog and Sheep Barn

� 1 p.m. - Columbus Optimist Kid's Tractor Pull, Grandstand (Free admission)

� 1 p.m.-Midnight - Merriam's Shows and Rides, Midway

� 4 p.m. - Demolition Derby, Ag Park Outdoor Arena

� 6 p.m. - Entertainment, Grandstand Area

� 6 p.m. - Exhibit Hall closed for the day

� 6 p.m. - Release 4-H and FFA breeding beef, dairy, sheep and goat (unless Ag Society states otherwise)

� 6-9 p.m. - Release 4-H and Open Class poultry and rabbits

� 6-8 p.m. - Release of 4-H exhibits in Exhibit Hall and Open Class exhibits in Starting Gate Caf�, Exhibit Hall