Co-op Community | August 2016
Co-op Contributes More Than $12,000 to Support Youth Participation in Local Agriculture
(From left) Toby Massey, Alanna Cooke, Carrie Newman and Casey Tingle get their bidding numbers ready at the Redwood Acres Best of Humboldt Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction.
North Coast Co-op was well represented at the Redwood Acres Best of Humboldt Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction again this year. Carrie Newman and I (Assistant Eureka Store Managers), Casey Tingle (Eureka Meat Department Head) and Toby Massey (Eureka Store Manager) purchased 11 animals in support of local youth, totaling more than $12,000—five times more animals than any other buyer.
Toby has been attending the Junior Livestock Auction in some capacity for 20 years. Last year he began passing his Livestock Auction knowledge to Carrie and I, so that we can continue to follow in his footsteps by purchasing at the Junior Livestock Auctions. He said his favorite part of the event is helping support youth education and involvement in agriculture, and for many, their first business responsibilities. I agree that the leadership and integrity lessons they learn by participating in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) are invaluable.
I feel lucky to work for an organization that views participation in this event as a great effort toward keeping our local food supply intact and in supporting youth agriculture projects in our community. Many of the kids participating, whether it be through 4-H, FFA or independently, use the proceeds from the sale of their animals for their college funds, future projects and for furthering their agriculture and leadership education. This year, more than $90,000 was raised during the Junior Livestock Auction.
The Co-op is one of the largest supporters and purchasers at the Junior Livestock Auction at the Redwood Acres and Humboldt County fairs. We purchase more animals from the kids than every other grocery store in the area combined. The Co-op has supported agricultural activities at local fairs for more than 30 years. In addition to purchasing at the livestock auction, the Co-op sponsors exhibit awards for show animals, beer brewing and horticulture.
Meat from the auction animals is now available for purchase at both North Coast Co-op locations. Look for “Junior Livestock” signage or just ask one of our friendly butchers. North Coast Co-op is the only grocery store in Humboldt with a full-service meat counter and the ability to “break beef” on site.
This article first appeared in the August 2016 Co-op News.
