A Petaluma-area 4-H member's steer sold for $50,000 at the Sonoma County Fair, breaking the previous auction record by $17,000 and highlighting the impact of youth agricultural programs in California.
A 12-year-old from the Petaluma area has set a new record at the Sonoma County Fair, after her Supreme Champion steer sold for $50,000 during the Junior Livestock Auction. The sale, which took place Monday in Santa Rosa, surpassed the previous fair record by $17,000 and more than doubled last year's top price, according to reporting by The Press Democrat.
Callie Cummings, a member of the Two Rock 4-H Club, spent 10 months raising and training her steer, named Sterling, before leading the 1,390-pound animal into the auction ring. The achievement marks Cummings' first year showing beef cattle, though she has participated in 4-H since age 5 and began showing market swine at 9.
Record-Breaking Auction and Community Support
The $50,000 sale price for Sterling set a new benchmark for the annual livestock auction, easily surpassing the previous record of $33,000. This year's auction featured 399 exhibitors and included 76 steers, 199 lambs, 275 hogs, 45 goats, 47 rabbits, 27 poultry lots, and 15 agricultural mechanics projects. The total auction proceeds reached $2,720,120, exceeding last year's gross despite fewer animals in some categories.
According to fair officials, the Junior Livestock Auction has grown significantly since its debut in 1967, when the entire event generated $72,936. Proceeds from the auction help young participants fund future agricultural projects, college, or trade school. Buyers can also make additional contributions, known as add-ons, directly to individual exhibitors.
Youth Agriculture and Family Commitment
Cummings' decision to raise a steer came during a challenging year for her family, as her father, Sonoma County sheriff's Detective Steve Cummings, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. With support from family and friends, Callie took on the daily responsibilities of feeding, washing, and preparing Sterling for competition. By fair week, her efforts had transformed the once-stubborn steer into the Supreme Champion of the event.
The Sonoma County Fair's youth livestock programs, including local 4-H chapters and Future Farmers of America organizations, aim to develop agricultural, leadership, public-speaking, and financial skills among participants. The programs provide hands-on experience in animal care and project management, with many exhibitors using auction proceeds to support their education or future agricultural endeavors.
Fair's Role in Local Agriculture
The Sonoma County Fair continues to serve as a major platform for youth in agriculture, offering opportunities for skill development and community recognition. The record-breaking sale of Sterling highlights both the dedication of young exhibitors and the strong support from local buyers and organizations. For Cummings, the experience not only resulted in a new auction record but also secured her a place in the fair's history.
Youth livestock auctions like Sonoma County's play a significant role in supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders, providing practical experience and financial resources that can shape future careers in farming, animal science, and related fields.
