More than $508,000 was raised at the 2025 Colorado’s Electric Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale, held during the Colorado State Fair. The auction featured 102 animals raised and shown by young people from across the state.
The Grand Champion Market Beef, raised by Jake King of Washington County, sold for $45,000 to the Sam Brown Family. This marks the second consecutive year that Jake King has shown the winning steer. His sister Joslyn also previously won with the Grand Champion Market Beef in 2021.
“Making it to the Junior Livestock Auction is a great accomplishment,” said Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg. “Raising livestock teaches so many skills, including leadership, best animal husbandry practices, responsibility and more. I’m so proud of all the exhibitors for their dedication and hard work.”
Youth exhibitors who placed highest in livestock competitions at the fair had an opportunity to sell their animals to top bidders. Buyer groups from across Colorado participated in support of youth exhibitors involved in 4-H and FFA programs.
“The Colorado State Fair highlights the hard work and dedication our state’s young people put into raising their animals along with preserving the agricultural heritage of our state,” said Colorado State Fair General Manager Andrea Wiesnmeyer. “We’re grateful for all of the generous buyers who came out to support the next generation of Colorado farmers and ranchers.”
The sale is seen as important for supporting future agribusiness in Colorado by recognizing quality livestock production and encouraging careers in agriculture. John Korrey served as auctioneer and master of ceremonies for his 27th year.
This year’s event also included efforts to support Dominic Maldonado from Weld County, whose market lamb placed first in Black Face Medium Heavy category. Maldonado lost his father days before leaving for the fair. Other youth exhibitors donated part of their proceeds and collected donations statewide to help him finish high school.
A full list of winners will be posted on the Colorado State Fair website soon.
The following are some results from this year’s auction:
– Jake King (Washington County), Grand Champion Market Beef: Sam Brown Family, $45,000
– Cal Sidwell (Weld County), Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef: Denver Rustlers, $16,000
– Mason Massey (Yuma County), Grand Champion Market Chickens: Wagon Wheel Ranch, $2,250; Reserve: Pass Creek Ranch, $1,750
– Kahlen Tolle (Weld County), Grand Champion Market Lamb: Denver Rustlers, $12,000
– Trent Mauck (Douglas County), Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb: Southwest Motors, $7,000; Grand Champion Market Turkey: JLS Alumni, $1,750
– Leah Sirochman (Rio Grande County), Grand & Reserve Grand Champion Market Rabbit Pens: Monte Vista Coop & PB&T Bank ($2,500 each)
– Dylan Stone (Weld County), Grand Champion Market Goat: Denver Rustlers, $6,000; Miles Rutledge (Yuma County), Reserve: Denver Rustlers ($4,000)
– Jamie Schafer (Elbert County), Reserve Grand Champion Market Turkey: Mark Arndt and Marlin Eisenach ($1,750)
– Annie Hanratty (Pueblo County), Grand Champion Market Hog: Sam Brown Family ($32,000); Olivia Dever (Weld County), Reserve: Denver Rustlers ($8,000)
Anyone interested in donating to Dominic Maldonado can do so through the state fair’s Online JLS Add-on form.
