Big changes are in store for this year's Ohio Selected Jug Yearling Sale, and for both consignors and buyers, they're all to the good.

Topping the list is a new location for this year's sale. It is now to be held at the Pickaway Agriculture and Event Center in Circleville, Ohio on Friday, September 18, with the traditional Yearling Show Day scheduled the day prior.

Also new this year is 'live' online bidding, coordinated in real time with each horse that steps into the ring the day of the sale. Those bidding online will be competing simultaneously with buyers at the sale.

"We're delighted to be selling now at the Pickaway Ag and Event Center," said sale manager Randy Manges. "It's a beautiful new facility that's first class all the way. The horses are all housed under roof in separate stable areas, yet it's an open air facility—perfect for the times we're in.

"All the usual COVID-19 precautions — sanitizing, social distancing and masks — will be in place for the sale, and the layout of the barns and the size of the sale arena itself help us meet those requirements. But for those who prefer to bid online, we now have a state-of-the-art setup for that, as well."

Manges said the Wendt Group, headquartered in Plain City, Ohio, is strategically partnering with the sales company and Danny Green's auction team to set up and facilitate the simultaneous online bidding process. The Wendt Group is considered a pioneer in online livestock sales and has conducted 6,000 live and 5,500 internet auctions.

Those desiring to bid online will be required to pre-register with the Wendt Group, so there is adequate time for the necessary approval. Specifics for sign-up will be available later, both in the sale catalogue and in future announcements.

"Ohio was the first state to race when COVID-19 restrictions were eased, and all eyes will be on us as we'll be among the first to conduct a yearling sale," Manges said. "The new sale facility, coupled with online bidding, makes us feel we're offering the best possible experience to all of our current and potential customers."

(Ohio Selected Jug Yearling Sale)