Buyer groups help area businesses support the fair

It’s a good feeling to give.

That’s the sentiment Paul Nelson shared about the recent livestock premium sale at the close of the Adair County Fair.

Union State Bank, where Nelson is president, has spearheaded for several years a buying group that roughly encompasses the Nodaway Valley school district, and has a few members from Orient. This year 32 businesses were in the group pooling their resources together to give back to 4-H and FFA members, congratulating them on their hard work.

Nelson has overseen the group since it began about 15 years ago. He says that they typically average around $3,600 in giving that is turned into bids, however this year the giving was closer to $5,000.

“They get a premium for their efforts and their work,” Nelson said. “It works well, versus each of these businesses going and bidding themselves. I represent the area businesses and bid for them.”

Nelson said that while the Nodaway Valley Buying Group is thought to be the largest in the area, there are other buying groups from the Stuart and Adair areas. There are also many businesses in the buying group, and others, who gave to the fair in separate ways, both large and small.

According to the Adair County ISU Extension and Outreach Office, the livestock premium auction brought in a total bid amount of $27,150. There were 46 youth who sold 151 head of livestock to a total of 24 bidders.

Valerie Jaehrling, Adair County Youth Coordinator at the Extension Office, was very pleased with the support this year’s fair received on all fronts.

“The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office of Adair County would like to thank all area businesses and individuals who have shown their support of Adair County 4-Hers and youth exhibitors throughout the Adair County Fair,” Jaehrling said. “Thank you for helping to make this year’s county fair a rewarding experience for all.”