Manistee County 4-H Livestock Council
Buyer Resources
Whether you are a new or veteran buyer of 4-H Livestock at Manistee Co. Fair, this page is your one stop shop for information on meat yield, processing options, donation options, and more.
Explore your options below!
You can now pre-register and skip the Check-In Line on Auction Day!
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Email completed forms to msue.manistee@msu.edu
All forms are fillable PDFs. To pre-register, all Buyers must turn in the Update Buyer Information Form, all other forms are optional or specific to individual Buyer needs.
The full pre-registration packet includes the Update Buyer Info, Invoicing Agreement, and Proxy Authorization fillable PDF forms.
Update Buyer Info Forms are for basic information, all Buyer's wishing to pre-register MUST complete this form. This confirms business & individual contact information, processing information, etc.
Invoicing Agreements are for returning buyers or companies who need to pay later or be billed through their company disbursement systems.
Proxy Authorizations are for buyers who cannot attend the 4-H Livestock Auction in person, but want to sent a representative in their stead and establish clear bidding limits for their representative. MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE AUCTION. Manistee 4-H Livestock Council WILL NOT accept Proxy Authorization the week of Manistee County Fair or the day of the Auction.
Add-on Forms are for Lump Sum Add-ons or Price per Lbs. increases for a specific 4-H Youth Member.
Lump Sum Add-ons can be completed prior to Auction Day and no commission is taken from these add-ons.
Price per Lbs. increases must be completed the day of the Auction and commission will be assessed on the final total price per lb.
4-H Barn Adverts can be purchased or renewed at any time. A new advert is $120 and hangs in the Sale Barn during Fair Week for 2 years. A renewed advert is $100 to hang in the Sale Barn during Fair Week for another 2 years.
How much meat will end up in my freezer as a result of my purchase?
This is a great question and we have the answer! Our MSU Extension Educators have created these great info-graphics for Beef, Swine, and Lamb/Goats.
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They break it down from standing live-weight, through processing to give you the best approximation of take-home weight.
Our MSU Extension Educators have the answer!
Every year Manistee Co. 4-H tries to offer a number of processing options for our buyers. These can vary from year to year based on processors schedules, availability, and Fair dates. For 2026, our processing options are below:
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*Swick's is unavailable in 2026, but expected to return to operation in 2027*
What are my processing options?
We have a number of processors available to us every year.
Donating my purchase was mentioned. What does that entail?
The Manistee 4-H Livestock Council has partnered with local food pantry organizations to bring you comprehensive list of options!
Yes! Our buyers have the option to donate their livestock purchase to a local food pantry in need. Food pantries often have a shortage of fresh meat for their members, with the help of Al Frye, a local Manistee Chef and long-time supporter and advocate of MSU Extension and 4-H, we have created a booklet of participating local pantries in Manistee & Benzie counties that could benefit from your donation!
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The book contains pantry contact information, history, impact reach, fresh meat needs and storage capacity, along with other non-perishable needs. As well as information on the process to donate your purchase.
Traditionally, Auction purchases have been paid for using cash or checks. Due to COVID in 2020, we had to use a virtual auction platform. This platform allowed us to accept credit card payments for the first time in Manistee Co. 4-H history and we are excited to announce that this option will continue to be available at our Auctions in the future!
How do I pay for my purchase?
We have a number of payment options available.
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*Credit Card payments add a 3.5% processing fee.