The Gilbert FFA steel show barn where the auction takes place.
Raising and showing livestock is a favorite and important activity for many FFA members across the country.
By showing animals, members learn important skills such as responsibility, time management and leadership. Additionally, they have the ability to travel and attend county, state and national level shows and jackpots to gain experience in the world of livestock showing.
Beginning this journey often requires purchasing an animal. This can be quite challenging, especially for members starting their first project. The Gilbert FFA Chapter in Arizona, however, helps members solve this issue through its annual lamb and goat auction.
On Sept. 14, 2024, Gilbert FFA held its 17th auction. The purpose of this event is to provide animal science students with the opportunity to run an event like this while also making a difference in their community. It also helps FFA and 4-H members purchase animals to show at the fair. Through working with different types of animals and livestock in both their classes and this auction, these students gain hands-on involvement in agriculture.
Sheep from the auction.
“[This event] gives agriculture teachers and 4-H leaders a one-stop shop for their students’ animals,” said Ken Johnson, one of the Gilbert FFA advisors. “We used to have to spend several Saturdays and afternoons running around the state to find animals. Now, we can get it done in one morning and at one place.”
These members and students from Gilbert FFA also gain real-world and technical experience by participating in and running this auction. They act as managers as they prepare for the auction by contacting vendors and sponsors, inputting data, accounting for everything and eventually running the event the day of. Once auction day hits, the students run and manage the event independently, which gives them incredible life and leadership experiences.
“We have been told by agriculture teachers, leaders and show buyers who travel from the Midwest to West Coast that we have the best student-run auction of anywhere they have been,” Johnson said. “The biggest takeaway for me is the growth and success I see in 50 students at the end of the day. When they gather in the pens or under the fans, I get to say, ‘Look at what you just accomplished.’”
