Bella Bastiani has raised multiple animals for show and market, who is pictured here with her turkey “Gobbles”. Photo provided by Hilary Bastiani

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Would a County Fair be complete without a Junior Livestock Show and Auction?

Bella Bastiani, Sydnee Stopplemore and Destiny Hutchison don't think so. Each of these three girls has a raised market animal to show and sell at the Fair. They have all worked very hard with their animals, kept detailed financial records and sent out Buyer’s Letters to introduce their animals to potential buyers.

Bastiani is 16 years old and a member of Gridley High School FFA. She describes herself as “really passionate” about her livestock. She had a market lamb at Silver Dollar Fair in May. This is her second year raising a market turkey for the Butte County Fair. All turkeys entered must be younger than 22 weeks of age.

“Some kids are hesitant to try [market animals] because of the expense. Smaller market animals make it easier to get into, because they are cheaper and have a larger profit,” Bastiani said.  She breeds Nigerian Dwarf goats and sheep, as well.

Hutchison, age 16 and also a member of FFA, is showing a turkey for the first time. She too had a lamb at the Silver Dollar Fair.

“Turkeys are low maintenance and do not require as much training,” she said.

Sydnee Stopplemore of 4-H shows off her pig “Dexter” she plans to show at the Butte County Fair. Courtesy photo

All turkeys entered in the show are shown with a walking stick and flipped to show the belly/meat. Each one must weigh at least 15 pounds and not exceed 35. Hutchison has three turkeys that all bonded with the lamb she raised. She has enjoyed raising her turkey fair entry “Blue” and would do it again.

Lastly, Stopplemore, 13, lives in Richvale and is a member of the Biggs 4-H club. This will be her fifth fair showing a market hog, and this year’s is named Dexter. Her previous hogs have sold for $10-16 per pound. The weigh-in for market hogs is 210 lbs. up to 270. Entries can weigh more than 270 but will not be paid for weight above that.  She has worked very hard on her Buyer’s Letters, hand-delivering them with a home-baked treat (baking is one of her other 4-H projects). She also serves on the 4-H board as Activities Commissioner.

Destiny Hutchison takes a minute to pose with “Blue,” who goes to auction at the Butte County Fair. Photo provided by Sara Hutchison

We commend you and all of the exhibitors for your hard work and perseverance. Best of luck from the Gridley Herald staff!