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Junior Livestock Auction

Months of effort for young, aspiring ranchers and farmers culminates at the Salinas Valley Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday, May 17th. Over 900 4-H and FFA members have selected, purchased, fed, and groomed livestock to be judged, graded and sold at the Fair.

A few seconds in the ring concludes months of hard work for these young livestock exhibitors, who have raised market hogs, sheep, beef, replacement heifers, rabbits, or poultry. Thanks to the buyers, the animals bring a good return to the exhibitors who have spent time in the show ring having their animals examined by the judges. The auction starts out with market hogs, followed by bred heifers, beef, goats, poultry, rabbits, and lambs.

The Junior Livestock Auction brings together the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of many businesses. “Learning to produce food for my table and how to be in business for myself – valuable lessons I learned as a 4-H and FFA member,” said Fair Auction Director, Cody Bassetti, “Now as the volunteers and the auction buyers, we’re all doing our part to ensure these lessons continue for kids in our community.” Bassetti is a volunteer Director of the Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction and oversees the 75 plus volunteers that help to sell the livestock raised by the 4-H and FFA members.

Staff members from Mechanics Bank are ringside to help operate the video projections, which display lot numbers, seller information, and sale price. Breakfast is sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen, and American Ag Credit sponsors the buyers’ lunch. Industrial Pump Shop, Mike and Mary Orradre, and Rosa Pacheco’s Catering sponsor the Buyers’ Reception at the conclusion of the auction.

In the barn area, volunteers work closely with project leaders and exhibitors to make sure the animals are brought into the ring in a timely manner.

The ringmen watch closely to catch every bid—begging and cajoling when necessary, to get the best price for each animal. The auctioneers, in their measured cadence, keep the auction moving to make sure the seller and buyer each get their due.

“Our volunteers, donors, and buyers really make the difference,” said John Orradre, Livestock Committee Chair. “Every year something special and surprising, takes place to remind me we have a good thing going in King City.” The Salinas Valley Fair Livestock Committee and the Junior Livestock Auction Committee are constantly looking for ways to make purchasing animals easy for the buyer. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions before and day of sale to explain purchasing options to new or potential buyers.

For more information, call 831-385-3521 or e-mail livestock@SalinasValleyFair.com.

Become a NEW Buyer!

If you are interested in becoming a new buyer for the Salinas Valley Fair Junior Livestock Auction, email us at livestock@salinasvalleyfair.com. Please include your/business name, contact information, and mailing address to get started.

2025 Dedication: Domingos Brothers

You can't think of the Swine Department at the Salinas Valley Fair without thinkign of the Domingos name. Brothers, Johnny and Richard, have spent years pouring their hearts into this fair, dedicating well over 6,000 combined hours from setting up and tearing down to weigh-in and load-out. Their father, John or "Bud," a former director and showman at Salinas Valley Fair, instilled in them a sense of tradition that runs deeps in their veins. Now on the 4th generation showing it's a family affair. When John was asked to take over the Swine Department as Director in 1977, Johnny and Richard both agreed to help their father. Little did they know their involvement would last 50 years, that they would brand pig backs with yellow paint, that they would tattoo pig shoulders, and that they would see over 15,000 pigs go through this fair. Their work begins long before the fair opens and often ends with them being the last to leave on Sunday night making sure load out goes smoothly.

Johnny's dedication began with years showing pigs and lambs at the fair. Under his father's leadership as director, he volunteered countless hours learning the ropes, until he took over the role himself in 2000. For the next 20 years, he had a sister by his side as clerk and collaborated closely with Richard, constantly exchanging ideas to improve the experience. One of his proudest moments came when he watched his daughters take part as showmne, even celebrating the trill of a Grand Champion win. Johnny passed his legacy to his nephew in 2020. Now, as an honorary directory and volunteer, Johnny continues to contribute in the Swine Department from weighing-in to load out. Through his efforts, he takes pride in seeing family traditions live on at the Salinas Valley Fair.

Richard's journey in the world of fairs also began showing pigs and lambs. His dedication is spent more behind the scenes from mapping out the setup of panels to ensure the shows and auctions run smoothly. As weigh master for his father, brother, and now son, Richard also could be seen checking in pigs as they come in the holding. His passion for the Fair carried on through his own children, both of whom showed pigs, and now his son serves as a director - continuing the family legacy. Richard's pride is evident as he watches his grandchildren show (even if it's not a pig). He continues to play a key part in making the fair experience a success, passing down knowledge, values, and dedication to the next generations.

The Swine Deparment runs like a well-oiled machine due to the dedication and hard work the Domingos Brothers and their families have given to the Salinas Valley Fair.