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Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains frequently asked questions about the Dodge County 4-H Boosters premium auction.

Who are the Dodge County 4-H Boosters?

  • Marvin Wiese – (402) 719-7978

  • Josh Gregory – (573) 470-0839

  • Jeff Hartman – (402) 719-8553

  • Andy Swanson – (402) 615-5180

  • Jay Bang – (402) 719-0280

  • ​Amy Hartman - (402) 719-8554

  • Nicki Gregory - (573) 470-6516

 

Dodge County 4-H Boosters is a non-profit organization established to create a premium sale at the Dodge County Fair and increase ribbon premiums for all exhibits. We believe that by recognizing and rewarding their achievements, we can encourage them to continue developing their skills and knowledge in agriculture and STEM. Dodge County 4-H Boosters provide an opportunity for local businesses and individuals to pool their resources and actively participate in the sale when they may not be present or financially able to do so individually. 

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What is a Premium Auction?

The premium auction is a chance for local 4-Hers to be rewarded for their hard work, dedication, and responsibility put into their respective animals and static exhibits. The auction is a way for the 4-Her to earn a higher premium without selling the physical animal or exhibit, allowing them to continue to the State Fair or other competitions. The auction also provides a learning experience for 4-Hers; it builds their confidence and enables them to mature socially as they interact with business professionals. It is a great way to connect with and support outstanding youth from the county.

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When is the Premium Auction, and where is it held?

2025 is the second annual auction, so details are still developing. What we currently know is that the auction will take place at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. It will happen on Saturday afternoon of fair August 2, 2025. New to 2025 is the auction will be at purple and blue ribbon sale. 
 

Why does Dodge County need a premium auction?

A 4-Her who earns a purple ribbon in market beef only receives a premium of $7.00? To illustrate further, a purple ribbon in poultry for a pen of three broilers receives a premium of $2.50. Similarly, achieving a purple ribbon in woodworking would only yield $2.50 in premium money. While those premiums are appreciated, it doesn’t seem like premiums have increased at all since a generation ago. We are trying to change that. We believe that by increasing premiums, 4-Hers will be encouraged to invest their time, effort, and resources into their projects.

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When I bid on an animal/exhibit at the Auction, am I actually taking possession of the animal/exhibit?

When you bid on and “buy” an animal or exhibit at the premium auction, you are not purchasing the animal/exhibit, nor are you physically acquiring ownership. You are paying a premium, which is then paid to the 4-Her.

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What makes Dodge County’s premium auction different?

The Dodge County 4-H Boosters wanted this event to be more than just a livestock auction. While livestock is a highlight of every fair, 4-H is so much more than that. This is why we selected three categories of static exhibits to be eligible for the auction. 

Another unique feature of our premium auction is that this is a way for all 4-Hers to earn a higher premium for the work they put in. We want to see champions rewarded at a high level, so every 4-Her participating in the auction gets to keep 75% of the bid on their exhibit/animal. The other 25% will go into a pool to be distributed amongst all 4-H exhibits/animals entered in the Dodge County Fair.
 

Which livestock classes, and exhibits are eligible for the auction?

Currently only market classes of livestock and poultry are eligible, as well as the three following static exhibit classes. 

  • STEM clothing 1: Fundamentals, 2: Simply Sewing, and 3: A Stitch Further                    

  • STEM aerospace class 1: Rocket

  • STEM welding class 3: Welding Art

  • Market Beef

  • Market Lambs

  • Market Swine

  • Market Rabbits

  • Market Meat Goat

  • Poultry (Broilers)

Our intent is to have the three static exhibit classes change from year to year so that all areas of 4-H will have their turn in the spotlight.

 

How many animals/exhibits can a 4-Her sell during the Sale?

Each 4-H member is allowed to sell one market animal or eligible static exhibit that they showed or exhibited at the fair. Exception: Exhibitors may sell multiple champions. The 4-Her will need to select which animal or exhibit they want to participate in the auction ahead of the fair. If they are awarded champion on another animal or exhibit than the one they chose, then that animal/exhibit will also go to the premium auction, but 100% of that winning bid will go into the overall pool for all 4-Hers.

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Do I need to be present at the auction in order to bid?

While we would love to see the stands packed for the auction, if you are unable to be present, your donation will still be used to bid up premiums on the day of the auction ensuring that every 4-Her who walks into the sale ring receives a bid for their animal or exhibit.
 

My organization would like our donation to go to a specific species or exhibit group. Is that possible?

While donations are always accepted, and appreciated, the Dodge County 4-H Boosters cannot segregate funds from donations once in our account. If you want your donation to go to a specific group, please have a representative present on auction day to bid up the premium for your preferred group and leave a check after the auction. Contact one of our board members listed above for more information.

 

How do I pay for my winning bid?

Make donations or day of auction checks payable to Dodge County 4-H Boosters. 

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How does the 4-Her get paid?

The Dodge County 4-H Boosters will write checks to 4-Hers as soon as possible following the auction and fair. 

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Additional Questions?

Please contact one of our board members listed above. 

We work closely with the Dodge County Fair board, and Dodge County Extension, but we do not want to burden them with more work than they already put in to make Dodge County Fair a success.

In addition to the phone numbers listed above, you can also

email the Dodge County 4-H Boosters dodgeco4hboosters@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dodgeco4hboosters 

Visit our website https://dodgeco4hboosters.

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