County Executive and Fair Marshal Junior Livestock Auction
FREE WITH PAID ADMISSION TO THE FAIR
Auction held at the Insight FS Livestock Coliseum (west side of Dairy Barn)Friday, July 17
Auction Reception | 4-5:15 pm
Buyer Registration in Insight FS Livestock Coliseum | 4-5:15pm
Junior Auction Starts | 5:30 pm
Sale Order: Champions, Steers, Swine, Lambs, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits
Auction presented by ARR Recycles!Auction sound & lights sponsored by LeDonna Farms/Hopkins Family
Pre-auction reception presented by Bobcat Plus
Pre-auction reception special thanks to Konkol Service & Repair and Jeff Van Dam Insurance Agency – American Family Insurance
The Junior Livestock Auction is the culmination of a year’s project for 4-H and FFA members. These young men and women have selected, fed, and groomed steer, lamb, poultry, rabbit, goat, or pig as a learning and business venture. The project is brought to the Fair to be judged, graded, and sold. Support of the auction provides recognition for young adults to earn college funds, purchase more animals, and receive practical training in business and agriculture.
Buyers can support a young person in the community by purchasing an animal. Animals may be resold if buyers do not wish to take delivery of the meat.
2026 Fair Marshal
Dan Downing
Since the early 1980s, the Downing family has opened their farm to local youth, providing a place for young exhibitors to raise and care for their animals; many of whom would not have otherwise had the opportunity to show. What began as a family effort grew over time, eventually becoming a space Dan continued to lead, welcoming not only community youth, but also his own daughters and their friends as they began showing livestock.
Dan has supported the Fair in countless ways; from mentoring youth with the Kettle Moraine Livestock Club to lending a hand at the Fair wherever needed in the beef barn and in the show ring, to even setting up tents. Today, that legacy continues through his grandchildren, who now show livestock at the Fair. For Dan, some of the most meaningful moments have come from watching his daughters, and now his grandchildren, navigate the lessons, triumphs, and challenges that come with raising animals. His decades of dedication have left a lasting mark on both the Fair and the youth it serves.
“For me, it’s never been about recognition—it’s about the kids,” said Downing. “The Fair gives them a place to learn perseverance, to work through challenges, and to see what they’re capable of when they don’t give up.”
Waukesha County Executive
Paul Farrow
