How Metzer Farms Supports Youth Poultry

I feel it is important to support youth activities.  Over the years we have received many requests for support from junior poultry exhibitions, fund raisers and clinics throughout the country.  I don't think we have turned anyone down.  We provide gift certificates for their raffles, awards or silent auction prizes.  If you have an event, please don't hesitate writing us.  We will help as much as we can.  You have been great customers of ours.  The least we can do is contribute to your event to help spread the joy of raising waterfowl!

My wife, Sharon, and I also believe in the importance of giving back to our local community.  We both grew up here and I was very active in 4H and FFA.  Our three children, Janelle, Marc and Erin, were very active in the Gonzales 4H club.  So every year we try to buy an animal at the youth auction at either the Salinas Valley Fair or Monterey Fair.  The Salinas Valley Fair was last weekend and we headed down thinking we would buy a lamb for the freezer.  Well it turns out we bought a pig and a Champion Pen of Poultry!

As you can see, they are not ducks or geese but rather chickens, which I don't view as the ultimate poultry.  But many people do so I will go along with their illusion.  I guess they don't understand the advantages of waterfowl over chickens.... but that is the subject of a future blog.   All we can do is convert as many as we can, as fast as we can to waterfowl!

From left to right, Sharon Metzer, Ralph Rianda of the King City FFA, John Metzer and Hostess Jeanne Aguirre.

For those of you with children that exhibit and sell their animals at fairs, this was an outstanding auction.    There 610 animals sold.  Swine averaged $7.83/lb. live weight, lambs $12.60, beef $3.56 and goats $13.67!  These kids do very well due to the tremendous financial support of the individuals and businesses in the Salinas Valley.

How do you support your local junior poultry members?  What are the average prices at your nearestl 4H and FFA fair auction?