Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction at State Fair a big deal for young people & their future

MILWAUKEE -- Young people came to the Wisconsin State Fair from across the country on Wednesday evening, August 10th to take part in the Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction -- and the benefits will carry on long after the event concludes.

The Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction is a very big deal.

The first animal was set to be auctioned off at 7:00 p.m., but the competitors were judged all day to determine who would compete Wednesday evening.

It was a big moment Wednesday at the Wisconsin State Fair as the champion crossbred steer was announced.

Hours later, it would be bid on at the Governor'S Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction.

"The Wisconsin State Fair's Junior Livestock Show is the crème de la crème," Leah Mindemann, scholarship chairwoman for the Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction said.

Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction

The Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction is the culmination of months of hard work from some of Wisconsin's young people.

Buyers then have an opportunity to bid on the animals, and the money goes to the exhibitors and a scholarship fund.

"It`s a year's worth of free tuition in some cases for these college kids. It's money to buy next year's project without having to take out a loan. It's, by all means, a significant life-changing event from the cash standpoint but also the experience," Mindemann said.

Hannah Taylor can attest to that -- as one of the 26 scholarship winners this year.

"I'm majoring in agricultural communications and journalism, and so the reason I'm majoring in that is because I love talking to the public about agriculture. This scholarship is pushing me further and allowing me to continue doing that in a future career," Taylor said.

In 2015, more than $400,000 was raised at this auction.

CLICK HERE to view results from the Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction.