After an action-packed week at the Klamath County Fair in Oregon, youth exhibitors broke the bank with record-setting prices bringing $1.3 million for their 4-H and FFA animals. Better yet, Basin Beat reports that the number is likely to grow as buyers round up purchase prices to further boost exhibitor’s sales.
This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Klamath County Fair and included concerts, events, food, vendors, and the junior livestock sale. During the 2022 Rotary Junior Livestock Auction, hundreds of buyers gathered to eat dinner and bid on the 260 lots that were auctioned off.
Traci Reed, Klamath County 4-H Program director told Basin Beats that, “Klamath County Fair’s 100th-year celebration was an impressive event. The 4-H and FFA shows exemplified the commitment of the youth. The auction proved to be another record-breaking year thanks to the support of our community.”
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On top of selling show market livestock, one swine and one steer are donated annually by local ranchers for local club members to raise. These animals are sold at the auction and proceeds raise go to scholarship programs for select 4-H and FFA members attending college. This year, the West Waters Buchanan Scholarship swine raised $21,000 during the sale.
Among top sellers were Jenna Melsness’ Grand Champion Market Sheep, which brought a whopping $30,400.
Meanwhile, Grace Kliewer’s Grand Champion Market Beef was sold for $13,400, and Kaitlyn Bloom’s Grand Champion Market Swine brought $10,400.
The sale didn’t just bring big pay out big for large animals, rabbits and poultry did well too. Thayden Rabbiosi’s Grand Champion Market Rabbit was purchased for $7,407 and Taylor Gorden’s Grand Champion Market Chickens were sold for $6,244.
Jamie Whitaker’s Grand Champion Market Goat was purchased for $3,696.
Grand Champion Market Turkey was sold by Charles Overcash for $2,080.
The average for the entire sale add-ons not included, was $5,012 for each animal sold.
Businesses who purchase livestock support 4-H and FFA member’s small business goals, future livestock projects, bolster college funds, and more.
