Tanana Valley State Fair auction will include reindeer

4-Her Laura Frame with Winston

A first-ever event of its kind in the nation will occur at the Tanana Valley State Fair Aug. 14 when 4-Hers show and sell reindeer at the livestock auction.

For nearly a year the 4-H participants have worked under the guidance of Reindeer Research Program research coordinator George Aguiar. “They’ve come a long way,” he said. “They have dealt with broken antlers and facilities challenges. They have been ingenious.”

Aguiar was especially impressed when one youngster slept in the barn with his reindeer for a week to get the animal accustomed to his presence. He is thrilled at the prospect of the reindeer being housed, shown, judged, and auctioned in a similar manner to other livestock, and not viewed as exotic animals. “This is uncharted territory,” Aguiar said. Requirements of the fair and program are that the animals will be slaughtered for meat after purchase. Reindeer meat is high in protein, low in fat and is known for its tender qualities.

The RRP/4-H/FFA pilot project kicked off nearly a year ago when the UAF research program donated reindeer to 4-Hers who had been approved by a committee. Assisting RRP with the pilot project are the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Kawerak Reindeer Herders Association. Since its inception Aguiar has offered classes, on-site visits, and valuable instruction to the young farmers. Serving on the committee have been 4-H leader Marla Lowder, research professional Jeff Werner, and risk manager Annette Chism. RRP Manager Greg Finstad offers his expertise to the project, drawing on his twenty-five years of researching and teaching reindeer husbandry and management.

In preparation for the fair and the public attention the reindeer are likely to garner, the 4-Hers even purchased new matching halters for their animals. Three 4-H participants, ages 13 to 17, will be showing deer at the fair.

While the program is beneficial to the youths, it is also good for UAF researchers. “We are able to see how reindeer do in other environments, how they react to other animals including ducks goats horses, sheep and we learn more about the dynamics,” he said. He noted at how diligently the 4-Hers looked after their animals, gathering fireweed and willows to supplement their diets.

With the pilot project just wrapping up its first cycle, Aguiar is looking forward to another year, and Dr. Finstad, project manager, has already approved for distribution four reindeer to the next crop of 4-Hers. “The kids are learning reindeer husbandry and gaining experiences to be successful in any livestock production operation,” Aguiar said. “It’s been a long process and the end result will be the auction when we find out how high the demand for reindeer meat is and what it is worth to the buyers.”

The auction is Friday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Addendum, Aug. 14, 2009
Further reading:
"4-H reindeer auction makes history at the Tanana Valley State Fair", Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Aug. 14, 2009, by Mary Beth Smetzer