Rotary's annual livestock auction supports local youth and helps fund community projects throughout the year.
Months before auction day, the work begins. Local 4-H and FFA members take on the daily responsibility of feeding, caring for, and preparing their animals. They track expenses, maintain records, and learn that a successful project requires patience and consistent effort.
Then comes the day when their community shows up to recognize that work.
On August 2, the 92nd Klamath County Rotary 4-H & FFA Livestock Auction brought exhibitors, families, buyers, and volunteers together at the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Held on the final day of the fair, this year's auction generated nearly $1.6 million in livestock sales and support for participating youth. A total of 468 market animals were sold, including a pen of chickens that brought $155 per pound.
Those numbers tell a remarkable story of generosity. Behind them are young people learning skills they will carry well beyond the fairgrounds.
Raising a market animal gives exhibitors firsthand experience with responsibility, animal care, recordkeeping, and business management. Auction day brings those lessons together, connecting their hard work with buyers who believe in their potential. Each purchase is also an investment in the confidence and future of a local young person.
For our Rotary Club, helping make those connections is at the heart of this longstanding tradition.
This year, 80 Rotarians contributed their time and service to help make the auction a success. Austin Lesueur of Midland Empire Insurance, the auction's Bull of the Woods Chair, reflected on the teamwork behind the event: "The auction shows what our community can do together, from the outstanding 4-H and FFA members and leaders to the Oregon Tech women's volleyball team, the fairgrounds, Sage, Padgett, and our incredibly generous buyers showing up in support. All of us in Rotary feel blessed to be part of such a special day."
The auction also provided an opportunity to recognize one of its longtime supporters: Sherm's Thunderbird.
With contributions averaging $115,500 annually, Sherm's has helped generations of local exhibitors experience the rewards of their efforts. During this year's event, the company was honored for its decades of generosity and commitment to Klamath County youth. As Sherm's prepares to sell the company, its future participation may change, making this year's recognition especially meaningful.
"We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our buyers, volunteers, families, and community members," said Traci Reed, 4-H Program Coordinator. "Their commitment helps ensure that local youth have opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed through 4-H and FFA programs."
Generosity That Reaches Beyond Auction Day
The auction's impact continues throughout the year. A portion of the fees collected by Rotary pays for auction expenses. The remaining funds are returned to the community through the Rotary Club of Klamath County's annual community grant program.
These grants support programs that strengthen the health, education, and stability of people in Klamath County and closely tied areas. Areas of emphasis include youth and youth leadership, literacy, mental health, and humanitarian causes.
Nonprofit organizations, community organizations, schools, governmental entities, and other eligible community-based organizations may apply for projects or programs within a 30-mile radius of Klamath Falls, where our club's Rotarians live and work. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate strong community support and advance Rotary's values of service.
Grant applications are accepted annually from October 1 through December 31, with awards announced in February. For questions about the application process, contact klamathcountyrotary@gmail.com.
Every buyer and volunteer helps make this broader impact possible. Their support recognizes the efforts of young exhibitors while helping Rotary meet community needs long after the fair ends.
To everyone who helped make this year's auction possible, thank you. We look forward to gathering again on August 8, 2027, to celebrate another group of hardworking young people and the community standing behind them.
See more photos from the 2026 Klamath County Fair
Browse hundreds more photos from the fair's youth livestock showmanship in the 2026 Klamath County Fair photo album (opens Google Photos).
Lexi McNair is President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Klamath County. Photos provided by the Rotary Club of Klamath County.
