I would like to thank Stephens Nursery for buying my market hog at the 2008 Junior Livestock auction.

I have put part of the money away for college to become a large animal veterinarian, the other half of the money has gone to buy my feed for this year.

This year I am doing steers, hog, horses, vet science, horse judging and Freedom Riders Drill Team. As you can see I am very involved in 4-H. My 4-H club is the Sweetwater Bandits and we are blossoming with several new club memebers.

Throughout my 4-H years I have learned how to manage my check book, how to become more responsible, and I learned how to manage my time in record books, shows, at home, and during fair. Record books can be a real pain if you don't keep up with them.

This year the Junior Livestock Auction is on Aug. 1. Please come at noon for a free lunch provided by Alpine Bank, Eagle County Colorado Cattlemen and Farm Bureau. The auction starts at 1 p.m.

I know times are hard right now, but buying an animal at the Junior Livestock auction has many amenities such as better quality meat, it is home grown and it doesn't have any hormones. If you come to the Junior Livestock Auction and purchase an animal, your business will be advertised for supporting 4-H. You don't have to buy an animal because attendance is welcome, but please bid up the animals. This is going to a good cause so please come to the Junior Livestock Auction and show your support for the 4-H'ers.