Bankim Amin and his 4-month-old daughter, Aria, check out the livestock at the OC Fair during the annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Buena Park High School students give fellow classmate, Jasmine Martinez, a group hug before her lamb, Reese, goes to auction during OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children say the 4-H pledge at the start of OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Jennifer Delgado, 18, does her 15-year-old sister Daisy’s hair before the OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa. The sisters had a steer and a goat to be auctioned on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sunny Hills High School student Lalani Pachaco holds her lamb, “Bubu,” during OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Her friend, Noelani Canotal, holds a sign during the auction explaining that the animal is a Grand Champion. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Auctioneer Mark Mark Coulter tries to raise bidding during the OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Woolfred, raised by Sunny Hills High School student Mia Ramirez, is ready for OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People watch during OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
La Habra High School student Amanda Alvarez, 17, holds a basket of bunnies during the OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
La Habra High School student Amanda Alvarez, 17, holds a basket of California bunnies during the OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Bankim Amin and his 4-month-old daughter, Aria, check out the livestock at the OC Fair during the annual Junior Livestock Auction in Costa Mesa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Everyone put their best foot or hoof forward for this year’s Junior Livestock Auction, an OC Fair tradition where local youth showcase the animals they have raised.
Through FFA, once called Future Farmers of America, programs at several local high schools and similar 4-H Clubs in the region, students learn about agriculture and livestock careers. Many raise cows, goats, lambs, rabbits and more, spending hours feeding and caring for them daily and preparing them for showing.
Saturday’s Junior Livestock Auction was the culmination of their efforts; many also spent time at the fair answering questions and educating fairgoers about the animals.
The fair is open Wednesdays through Sundays, and there is the livestock area, Centennial Farm and other agricultural and hobby-related exhibition areas to visit.
Throughout the OC Fair’s run until Aug. 17, there will be various animal exhibits and demonstrations, including dairy cow milking demonstrations, miniature donkey breeding competitions and rabbit and cavy showcases.
