Livestock issue gets attention of Fair Board

The destination of livestock animals sold at the Putnam County Fair auction could be getting some review from the Fair Board.

While the fair handbook states that any animal sold at the livestock auction is not to be returned to the 4-H'er who exhibited it, that occurred with some swine and beef cattle at this summer's event. Sometimes, a family member will purchase an animal and then return it to the child, rather than send the animal to be slaughtered.

Swine Barn Supt. Rick Judy told board members the problem could be solved if the animals are put on a livestock trailer destined for the processing plant as soon as they are sold.

A problem could arise if an animal that was sold later turns up at the Indiana State Fair. That did not happen this past year, but there was some controversy about the destination of some auctioned animals.

Fair board president Ken Heeke suggested the board's executive committee and auction committee look into the issue to see if a change needs to be made in how the livestock sale animals are handled.

Meanwhile, the board heard that Heeke has talked to Bill Collins who made a presentation to the board about a BMX course at the fairgrounds. While there is interest in the motorcross bike course, there is not a group that has stepped up to take on the project. It does not look like development of a course will happen in 2007, Heeke said, but it is a possibility for the future.

In other business, the board:

* Received a donation of $1,185 from 4-H'er Chelsea Mann who wrote a letter of appreciation to the board and gave back half of her proceeds from the sale of her animal.

* Heard a presentation from Gary Porter of Porter Auctions about fundraiser auctions. The board took the information under advisement.

* Elected new officers as presented by the nominating committee. They are president Ken Heeke, vice president Gene Grable and Al Harwood as treasurer.

In the 4-H report from Lauralee Baugh, the board learned:

* The 2006 Leader Recognition and 4-H Member Achievement Program is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at the community building. Eighty leaders along with all the 4-H'ers who turned in their "My Record of Achievement" forms, the completing junior leaders and ones to be recognized for special accomplishments this year will be honored. The Spirit of 4-H Award recipient will also be announced.

* Based on requests from 4-H'ers, the projects Bicycle Safety and Small Engines will be added for the 2007 program.

* Beef and Dairy Steers weigh-in, ear tagging and retinal scanning will be Saturday, Feb. 3. That does not include dairy feeder steers.

* Judging of the 4-H Exhibit Hall projects for next year will be on Tuesday, July 17 and Friday, July 20. A list of which projects will be judged on each day will be announced in upcoming newsletters.

* The fall edition of the Herald newsletter will be mailed around Oct. 30.

* The superintendent positions for 2007 are Gerrit Thompson in beef, Gary Stevens in dairy, Ardith Huge in dog, Susan Owen in goat, David Gilley in horse and pony, Clint and Dana Maddox in poultry, John Scamahorn in rabbit, Melinda Mann in sheep, Rick Judy in swine, and Pat and Jim Sheldon in the Exhibit Hall.

* The annual meeting of the Purdue Extension-Putnam County is Thursday, Nov. 30 in the Community Building.

The next meeting of the Fair Board is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27 in the Community Building. The board's executive committee will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 in the Community Building.