Calling All Buyers!: Clackamas County Junior Livestock Auction

Youth bring hard work and efforts to market

By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media

Celebrating 58 years of bringing 4-H and FFA youth livestock projects to auction at the annual Clackamas County Fair, Clackamas County Junior Livestock Auction (CCJLA) will be held Saturday, August 22 at the County Fairgrounds. Market animals presented for auction include: Beef, Swine, Lamb, Goat, Turkey, Broiler Chickens, and Market Rabbits. In all, 400 youths are participating in animal auction projects this year. 270 members in 4-H and 130 FFA members will represent Sandy, Oregon City, Colton, Canby, Molalla, North Clackamas, and Estacada. 

 Beginning with a catered BBQ lunch at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, the Junior Livestock Auction will run until all lots are sold. Chris Nichols, board member on the auction committee, notes: “Since Covid, our auction has supported more youth each year with ever-increasing total sales dollars. This year will be a record year too, with at least 60 more youth selling animals with an expected increase in total sale revenue. Please consider joining us at the auction, or if you can’t attend, see our website for more ways to support the youth of Clackamas County.” 

 Originally started by the Rotary Club of Canby, Canby Kiwanis and the now disbanded Clackamas County Cattlemen’s Association, the CCJLA committee is comprised of a group of individuals representing 4-H, FFA, and the community at large who are committed to providing a positive learning experience for Clackamas County 4-H and FFA youth to market their animals at the Clackamas County Fair. Revenues earned from sales help with purchasing and raising future livestock, offsetting college costs, and preparing for graduation..

 Sponsorships are always appreciated by the CCJLA and go towards covering auction expenses such as hospitality, technology, and auction fees. Any funds pledged directly lower commissions and put more money in the hands of the youth exhibitors. If unable to attend, you can become an absentee buyer and CCJLA will arrange to purchase an animal for you, or you are welcome to donate to the buyer’s pool.

 This year, the CCJLA will be auctioning off a donation pig to help raise funds for livestock-specific improvements for the Clackamas County Fairgrounds. During the fair, exhibitors will be able to enter a drawing for their animal to be chosen as the donation animal, which will then be auctioned on Saturday to the highest bidder. 

 Finally, the CCJLA wishes to recognize and thank each and every buyer participating in the auction. Without your support, the 4-H and FFA youth would not be able to continue raising and showing their projects, which offer opportunities for valuable learning experiences and the development of life skills such as responsibility, work ethic, communication, and teamwork, which will serve them well, both now and in the future. 

 Clackamas County Fairgrounds is located at 694 NE 4th Ave, Canby. For more information on the Junior Livestock Auction, email clackamasjla@gmail.com or visit ccjla.org.