OKEECHOBEE  -- Okeechobee Livestock Market is hosting their second annual “Second Chance Livestock Sale” for children across the sunshine state who were unable to show an animal at their respective county fairs. The show and sale will be held this Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 1 .pm.

Buyers can expect to see an array of 55 show animals saunter through the sale ring, and this year, the list has expanded from heifers and steers, to include hogs and goats.

Prior to the sale, a facility health-check process will also be performed.  All animals will receive an inspection of health from certified veterinarian, Dr. Paul Bryant. This will be free-of-charge for the kids.

Although the restaurant will not be open to serve the public, there will be sandwiches and light snacks offered to guests on site. After lunch, former FFA leader, Buddy Mills will commence the event and utilize his auctioneer chops to sell animals to the highest bidder.

“Last year’s event was such a success, we knew we’d be here again for the kids this year, and we’re happy to do it. We really have a great team and we couldn’t do this without them – everyone you see working at this sale has contributed to it in some special way, “said Matt Clemons, one of the initial founders of the Second Chance Sale.

With meat prices as high as they are, buying a livestock animal that can be utilized for food throughout the year is a great money-saving option. Many people may shy away from purchasing a live animal for meat because the packing process can seem daunting. However, Okeechobee Livestock Market will go the extra mile to help anyone who wants to purchase an animal by personally connecting them to a slaughter facility.

Please come out and support Florida’s youth in agriculture at the Okeechobee Livestock Market this weekend at 1 p.m. If you can’t make it in person, the sale will also be broadcast live from the market’s website: www.OkeechobeeLivestockMarket.com.