Learn to make the most of your market animal project with new webinar series

Kathy Jamieson<jamies13@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Elevate your market animal project and ensure your success at your next livestock auction with the help of a new MSU Extension webinar series.

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Graphic created by Laurie Rivetto.

Are you a young livestock enthusiast looking to excel in market auctions? The "Make the Most of Your Market Animal Project" webinar series offered by Michigan State University Extension is here to guide you! This free, interactive series will use activities from the curriculum 4-H Business Guide to Success and be offered every Wednesday from April 30 to May 28, at 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET. Participants will gain essential skills in marketing, communication, record-keeping, goal-setting and understanding break-even points to maximize their success in livestock auctions. Registration is required (you may register for one or all sessions).

Webinar schedule and topics

April 30 - Goal-Getters

Setting clear and achievable goals is the first step to success. In this session, participants will learn how to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals that will help them track progress, stay motivated and successfully prepare their animals for county fairs and market auctions.

May 7 - Talk the Talk

Selling livestock effectively requires strong communication skills. This session will teach participants how to connect with buyers, convey the value of their animals, and confidently present their projects. Attendees will gain practical tips for engaging new audiences as potential buyers.

May 14 - Records to Riches

Keeping track of expenses and earnings is crucial in any business, including livestock projects. Participants will learn record-keeping strategies and how to calculate break-even points. By mastering these skills, they will be better equipped to make informed financial decisions and ensure their projects are both profitable and rewarding.

May 21 - Marketing Mastery

Effective marketing can make all the difference when selling livestock. This interactive session covers the 5 Ps of marketing—product, price, place, promotion and people. Youth will learn how to identify their target market, develop a marketing plan and use innovative strategies to boost their sales price and build community connections.

May 28 - From the Pitch to the Payment

Recruiting buyers is a crucial aspect of livestock sales. This session will focus on communication and outreach techniques to confidently engage potential buyers, highlight project achievements and leave a lasting impression. Participants will also explore the power of social media in promoting their projects and reaching a broader audience.

Why attend?

Looking for additional reasons why you should attend this upcoming series? Attendees will:

  • Gain essential skills for livestock auctions
  • Improve marketing and communication techniques
  • Learn effective record-keeping and financial planning
  • Develop confidence in engaging with buyers
  • Explore innovative marketing strategies

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your market animal project and ensure your success at livestock auctions! For more information, contact Kathy Jamieson at jamies13@msu.edu.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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