Animal numbers down in many categories

Livestock numbers are slightly down in almost every animal category from last year at the Livingston County 4-H and FFA Fair. Oddly enough the number of swine at the fair remains the same as last year, right at 344. The number of beef dropped from 85 last year to 66 this year and bucket calves dropped slightly from 35 to 31. The number of goats dropped significantly from 2013 to 2014. In 2013 there were 80 goats on the fairgrounds and last year there were 62. There is only one goat less this year, adding up to 61 goats total. The number of rabbits is lower than it has been the past two years as well. In 2013 there were 125 rabbits, last year there were 138 and this year there are 120. There are 48 sheep this year compared to 50 last year. There are also 5 dairy cattle, 47 dogs, 15 horses and 85 poultry that are participating / have participated in the fair this year. Animals started arriving at the fairgrounds Sunday beginning with horses. Monday morning broiler chickens arrived and were then released after the broiler show. Tuesday poultry arrived in the morning and then hogs and rabbits arrived that evening. Wednesday sheep and beef arrived in the morning. Friday at 6 p.m. non-livestock and bucket calves will be released. Rabbits and poultry will be released from the north barn. All other animals will be released after the livestock sale which starts at 7 p.m. Last year the auction set record of $127,400.