Iowa 4-H Youth Raise Thousands at Livestock Auctions, Building Skills for Life
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
At county fairs across Iowa, young 4-H members are turning their hard work into real dollars and life lessons. At a recent Lane County Fair youth livestock auction in Oregon, 182 participants aged 9 to 18 sold goats, pigs, sheep, and cows for top dollar, with one steer fetching over $16,000. While the auction took place in Oregon, the 4-H program has deep roots in Iowa, which was among the first states to adopt the program over a century ago.
The 2026 Youth Livestock Auction, held July 25 at the Lane County Fairgrounds, showcased the dedication of young farmers who raised animals from birth to market. Emmerson Bickford, 18, and her sister Callyn, along with friend Rowan Hass, raised pigs named Thor, Dolly, and Jolene through their local 4-H club. For Emmerson, the experience was transformative.
“It's such a great environment and I get to learn so many skills that I will never forget,” she said. “I've gotten some great opportunities through this and lessons I will take to my career.”
4-H: A Century-Old Tradition in Iowa
4-H first came to Oregon in 1904, but Iowa was one of the pioneering states to adopt the program, along with New York, Ohio, Texas, Nebraska, and Illinois. Today, 4-H is America's largest out-of-school youth organization, with 6 million members nationwide. In Iowa, the program remains a cornerstone of rural life, teaching responsibility, work ethic, and financial literacy.
Tiffanie Blake, president of the Lane County 4-H leaders association, grew up in 4-H and now helps give kids the same opportunities. She emphasized the program's broad impact beyond livestock shows.
“Kids from all over the county come to 4-H to make new friends, make lifetime memories and participate in all those different activities,” Blake said. “I wanted to give back to a youth organization that gave so much to me.”
Skills That Last a Lifetime
Participants in 4-H are twice as likely to take on leadership roles and three times more likely to engage in community service, according to the program's data. Wiley Blake, 17, has been in 4-H for eight years and plans to use the money from selling his steer, Albert, to fund college.
“4-H helps build character,” Wiley said. “I feel like it really prepares me for the real world. My high school is across the aisle and this event keeps us connected, chatting and working our cows together.”
Big Money for Hard Work
The auction saw impressive sales. Jake Peterson's grand champion steer weighed 1,478 pounds and sold for $11 per pound, netting over $16,000. Kaeleb Hawkins earned $850 for his rabbit, and Caroline Carson sold her large chicken for $750. All proceeds go directly to the young raisers, funding future projects, college, or trade school.
Elizabeth Gangwer, 4-H program coordinator, praised the volunteers who make it possible.
“Our volunteers help educate the kids, too,” Gangwer said. “We love watching all their hard work pay off.”
Iowa's 4-H Legacy Continues
While this auction was in Oregon, Iowa's own 4-H programs are thriving, with county fairs across the state hosting similar events. The values of hard work, responsibility, and community service align perfectly with Iowa's conservative principles. For families looking to teach their children the value of a dollar and the pride of a job well done, 4-H remains an unmatched opportunity.
As Emmerson Bickford noted, the lessons go far beyond the auction ring.
“I've gotten some great opportunities through this and lessons I will take to my career.”
For more information on Iowa 4-H programs, visit the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website.