ATTEND THE AUCTION
Mark your calendars for this year’s Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction, taking place Wednesday, August 6th, 2025. The reception starts at 5 pm, followed by the auction at 6:30 pm.
The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction is traditionally held Wednesday evening following Wisconsin State Fair’s Grand Champion Drive in the Coliseum. Every year, the event draws a crowd of nearly 800 guests to support youth exhibiting the champion livestock.
The Auction is a premier agricultural event of the annual Wisconsin State Fair. From auctioning the champion market animals to awarding $40,000 in scholarships to giving youth leadership awards, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction is proud to bring together companies and individuals who are excited to support Wisconsin’s youth.
Bidding at the Auction
If this is your first time coming to the Auction, WELCOME! We are so excited to have you join us for this incredible night of celebration. As you enter the Coliseum, please let our volunteers at the check-in table know you are interested in becoming a buyer. They will get you set up with a bidding card.
Each Champion animal will be brought up to the stage area where the bidding will take place, and our auctioneers will begin auctioning off the animal. To place a bid, you simply raise your bid card. The animal will be sold to the final and highest bidder. The price you pay is the final bid you place for each animal. There may be some fun bantering back and forth between competing bidders, so bid high and bid often!
Building a Syndicate
If you choose not to purchase an animal by yourself, the easiest way to get in on the action is to form a buying syndicate. Many of our regular buyers are groups of smaller businesses and individuals that have formed a syndicate to buy animals together. Some groups go on to use purchased animals as a focal point in their own fundraising dinners and corporate events. The Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation is glad to split up the invoice and invoice the group members individually. Stop at the cashier’s table if you are interested in becoming part of a syndicate to purchase an animal.
Buying an Animal
If you have the winning bid for an animal, Auction ringmen will have you sign a contract with your contact information and payment. They will also ask a few questions regarding the type of livestock processing you prefer.
Once you have completed and signed the contract, please join us on stage for a photo opportunity with the Governor, your animal and the Junior Fair exhibitor. As a small thank you of appreciation, the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction will send you a complimentary canvas print of this photo.
If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask our clerks at the cashier’s table who will gladly assist you.
What can I do with an animal I purchased?
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Fill your personal freezer with the highest quality of meat in the State of Wisconsin, raised by Wisconsin youth
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Donate your purchase to the Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction Scholarship Fund - just say “Scholarship Fund” and we will do the rest
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Donate the meat to the food pantry of your choice and give us the name and location of the pantry
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Gift meat to your family, friends, co-workers, business partners…the options are endless!
Livestock Processing Fees
Livestock processing fees are in addition to the purchase price of the animal.
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Purchases donated to the Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation Scholarship Fund are not subject to processing fees.
Purchase Payment
Auction purchases must be paid for by September 30, 2024. Payment can be made via check, cash or credit/debit card. Payment can be made the night of the event or following the event. ​
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Note: A 4% buyer's premium will be added for anyone who uses a credit card, and a 2% buyer's premium will be added for anyone who uses a debit card.