Buyers’ pools multiple funds, support local youth

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The grand champion from the dairy selling division was this senior yearling heifer shown by Alyson Phillips and purchased for $7,000 by Erath County Dairy Sales and ABF Packing.

By AMANDA KIMBLE
TheFlashToday.com

ERATH COUNTY (January 1, 2017) – Early mornings, late nights, feeding, grooming and training. The hard work and determination of area youth are about to hit the arena.

The Erath County Junior Livestock Show is set for Wednesday through Saturday at the Erath County Livestock Association Arena. The event kicks off with poultry and rabbits and includes everything from goat and lambs, swine, horses and cattle to food, arts and ag mechanics.

While the stock show is an annual event that brings individuals from across the county together under one roof, the true support is seen Saturday when buyers converge on the arena. Following showmanship recognition and awards presentations, the Sale of Champions and market and dairy auctions will keep hands high into the night.

Individual bidders, representing families and businesses will no doubt make the show and sale memorable for many youth, and the money multiplies when supporters come together to put their bucks in the pot and form buyers’ pools.

Local pools include the Dairy Buyers’ Pool, as well as those representing Stephenville Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Mill and Dublin.

Dairy

The Beyer family has been a part of the local dairy industry for decades. Jason Beyer has participated in the organization of the Erath County Dairy Buyer’s Pool for about 20 years and said his father, Jim Beyer, was instrumental in getting the pool started more than three decades ago.

“We normally raise between $40,000 and $50,000 for the dairy pool each year,” Beyer said.

Beyer said the pool was started to encourage more participation from individuals and businesses who wanted to support local youth showing dairy cattle.

“Due to the limited number of heifers in the show, the cost is high,” Beyer said. “It is hard for one company to pay those premiums so we started to pool money to buy the animals.”

While participation in events like the Erath County Junior Livestock Show instill work ethic, responsibility in local youth and establish a better understanding of the livestock industry, buyers are vital, according to Beyer.

“Buyers and pools of buyers help the program and it keep it going, but it also helps get and keep the kids interested and active,” he said.

To add to the 2017 Dairy Buyer’s Pool, donors may call or text Beyer at 817-366-0113 or call Todd Phillips at 254-485-3333.

“We just need to know how much you pledge and your address and we will send you a bill,” Beyer said. “We have participants who donate as little as $100 and others who give as much as $2,500.”

Morgan Mill

Members of Morgan Mill 4-H receive the backing of the community’s buyers’ pool, which is distributed between those with market animals at the county show.

Pool organizers say contributions help offset project-related costs and no amount is too small when contributing to the pool.

To make a contribution to the Morgan Mill Buyers’ Pool, donors can message the Morgan Mill 4H Club Facebook page to arrange a pick up, deliver funds to the Morgan Mill Community Center at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, or leave contributions at Cornerstone Animal Hospital in Stephenville during business hours.

A check can also be mailed to Morgan Mill Buyers Pool, PO Box 98, Morgan Mill, TX 76465.

Dublin

Dubliners have also made a tradition of supporting their local stock show participants, making sure they get a good return on their investments.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Dublin effort it encouraged to send a donation to: Dublin Buying Pool, c/o M&M Service Station, 304 E. Blackjack St., Dublin, TX 76446.
Contributors who want to make sure their funds reach the pool prior to the market sale can call Marvin Curry at 254-445-4935 before dropping a check in the mail. Donations may also be made in person 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. at M&M Service Station.

Donations that are delivered after the sale will be added on to Dublin exhibitors’ checks, according to pool organizers.

Stephenville Chamber of Commerce

Organizers of the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce Buyers’ Pool are asking that all donations be registered or pledged by Wednesday.

The chamber accepts donations as small as $25, with most giving $100 – $500, and some giving more than $1,000. All donors will be recognized, but those who give $1,000 or more will receive a special invitation to the Buyers’ Steak Dinner served by the youth exhibitors at 5 p.m. Saturday, prior to the sale.
The chamber pool invested more than $25,000 during the last market auction and is earmarked for sheep, steers, swine, poultry, rabbits and goats.

Chamber pool participants can register online or stop by the organization’s downtown office or call (254) 965-5313 to pledge their support.

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