The 2025 4TheKids Livestock Auction delivered a record-breaking year, surpassing all expectations with a grand total of $945,000. Hosted by the Grants Pass Active Club at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, the annual event brought together youth agricultural exhibitors, local buyers, nonprofit organizations, and a dedicated volunteer base to celebrate the values of hard work, community, and generosity.
A total of 214 animals were sold during this year’s auction, tipping the scales at over 91,300 pounds. These animals, raised by local youth participating in local programs, represented months of training, feeding, and preparation. For many of the young participants, the auction serves as the culmination of a year’s worth of learning not just about animal husbandry, but also about business, budgeting, and personal responsibility.
One of the most impactful outcomes of the auction was the substantial donation of meat to local organizations. Over 14,730 pounds of meat were distributed to food programs and charitable causes throughout the region, reinforcing the auction’s role not only as a youth development event but also as a vital contributor to local food security efforts.
The 2025 auction also saw an impressive surge in financial support beyond the initial sales. More than $147,000 came in the form of add-ons—additional donations from local businesses, families, and supporters who chose to boost the earnings of youth participants. Add-ons have become a tradition at the auction, enabling buyers and donors to show support without having to purchase livestock directly. These contributions helped push this year’s total well past the $861,803 mark recorded in 2024.
With all recorded transactions tallied, organizers confirmed the final fundraising total reached $945,000—a new high for the 4TheKids Livestock Auction. This achievement reflects not only the growing enthusiasm for youth agricultural programs in Josephine County but also the steadfast community support that continues to grow year after year.
The success of the event was the result of combined efforts from a wide range of contributors. From the students who raised the animals to the buyers who bid generously, and from the auctioneers and fairground staff to the volunteers and vendors who ensured everything ran smoothly, the auction once again demonstrated how impactful a united community can be.
As organizers begin preparing for next year’s event, the 2025 auction will be remembered not only for its impressive numbers but for the spirit behind them. It showcased the best of what local youth, agriculture, and civic engagement can achieve together—and set a new bar for what’s possible when a community invests in its future.