Exhibitors

Whether you're a returning family or preparing for your first sale, this page outlines important updates, procedures, and tips to help ensure a successful experience.

Start Reaching Out to Buyers Now

Buyer letters were mailed on July 14. Now is the perfect time to send personalized letters encouraging buyers to support you at this year’s sale. Be sure to include your project details, sale dates and times, and contact information. Reach out to family, friends, past supporters, and local businesses.

Need help getting started? Download our Buyer Letter Template.

If a buyer can’t attend the sale in person, they can still support you through an online add-on contribution. Add-ons are flat-dollar amounts added to your sale total and are a great option for extended family, out-of-town businesses, or anyone who wants to support but can’t be there live. The Online Add-On Window will be August 8 - August 13. Add-ons can be made online through the FairEntry system. More information can be found on our Add-On page.

New This Year

There are two changes this year to the Poultry, Swine, and General Livestock Sales:

Randomized Sale Order: Poultry, Swine, and General Livestock exhibitors will no longer draw numbers for sale order. Instead, the FairEntry system will automatically randomize each sale's order. This update allows us to post sale orders earlier than before and helps streamline our process. Note: Champions and other award winners will still be placed at the beginning of the sale order.
Check Pick-Up Days: We’ll be offering designated check pick-up days once all accounting is finalized. Dates and times will be announced after the fair. We encourage all exhibitors to pick up checks in person to avoid delays or lost mail. Any unclaimed checks after pick-up days will be mailed. Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates.

Declaring Post-Fair Destination: Truck or Home

Swine and General Livestock Exhibitors! Keep an eye on the information boards in your barn. All show- and sale-related info will be posted there during the week, including:

Draft and final show program schedules (with deadlines to mark scratches or data corrections)
Animal destination lists that include all animals checked/weighed-in at the fair
- You will use these forms to indicate whether your animal is going home with you or on the United Producers truck
  - Swine forms will be available in a binder in the Sales Office
  - All destination declarations are due by the end of your Junior Fair Market Show

Knowing the week’s schedule early and reviewing these posted documents helps ensure accuracy for everyone involved.

First-Time Swine and General Livestock Exhibitors: What to Expect

Welcome to your first sale! Here are some helpful insights to make your experience smooth and successful:

What Is a Premium Sale?

In a premium-only sale, buyers do not purchase the animal. Instead, their bid is a financial reward for your hard work. You will still retain ownership of the animal and can either:

Take it home, or
Send it on the United Producers truck, where it will be sold at market value.
- In this case, you will receive two checks:
  - One from United Producers (market value)
  - One from the Livestock Sale (premium bid)

Reaching Out to Buyers

It’s your job to promote your project and invite buyers to attend the sale. You may not solicit bids during the sale, so send letters in advance. Start by reviewing last year’s buyer list (in the fair book) and thinking about people your family does business with—banks, insurance agents, local stores, etc.

Sale Rules

Only exhibitors (not animals) walk through the sale ring.
Exhibitors may participate in up to two premium sales.
All champion animals must sell and be processed. They cannot go home.
Exhibitors are NOT permitted to fill out buyer paperwork (including multiple buyer and add-on forms). This must be handled by registered buyers only.
Don’t forget to send thank you cards after the fair! Buyer names will be included with your check.