By Matt Hargreaves
The Utah State Fair is an annual 11-day celebration that draws more than 300,000 people. One of its highlights is the Junior Livestock Auction, which supports the next generation of agriculture leaders. Proceeds from the auction help young people pursue educational goals, extracurricular activities, and agricultural aspirations.
The Utah Farm Bureau and its Miracle of Agriculture Foundation (MAF) worked with individuals and businesses to participate in the auction and recognize the dedication 4-H and FFA members bring to raising livestock. Some buyers donated their animals back to the fair for another round of bidding, creating an additional opportunity to support the youth. Many winning bidders later donated their animals to MAF.
This year, a record 92 animals from the Junior Livestock Auction were donated to MAF—30 more than the previous high. In addition to purchasing the animals, generous organizations and individuals contributed funds to cover meat-processing fees. County Farm Bureau leaders helped make the effort possible, along with key contributors including iDrive Logistics, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, Gerber Construction, American Benefits and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
With animals donated from the state fair, county fairs, and other sources, MAF distributed more than 46,000 pounds of meat to food pantries throughout Utah. In 2026, the foundation supported food pantries serving Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Duchesne, Grand, Millard, Rich, Utah, Uintah, Wasatch and Washington counties.
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