Union County cattlemen raise $12,000 for local scholarships

The Union County Cattlemen’s Association held its annual dinner and live auction Jan. 15 at the Elgin Stampede Hall, drawing about 65 attendees and raising roughly $12,000 to $13,000 for a local scholarship fund. The scholarships support high school seniors pursuing post‑secondary education or training in agriculture, providing direct financial aid to students preparing to work on or with local farms and ranches.

Event organizers reported approximately $2,000 came from the live auction, with additional contributions generated through livestock sale donations and general giving. The proceeds bolster a scholarship pool that county producers say helps retain young people in agriculture, offsets training and tuition costs, and reinforces workforce continuity in a community where family ranches and small operations remain central to the local economy.

State Sen. Todd Nash and Rep. Bobby Leavy attended and briefed members on priorities they expect to pursue during the short legislative session. Topics highlighted for Union County producers included meat labeling rules, ADU/EDU allowances on exclusive farm use lands, and wildfire funding. Those issues carry tangible consequences for producers: meat labeling affects market differentiation and compliance costs, ADU and EDU policy changes can influence housing for farm families and seasonal workers, and wildfire funding underpins prevention and recovery programs critical to livestock operations.

Also introduced at the dinner was the local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf contact specialist assigned to work with livestock producers on non‑lethal deterrence measures. Producers in Union County and the surrounding region have increasingly sought strategies that reduce livestock losses while complying with state wildlife protections. The specialist's role aims to coordinate preventive measures such as fencing, guard animals, and monitoring to limit predator conflicts without immediate resort to lethal control.

The event underscored the intersection of community fundraising, public policy and on‑the‑ground management. For many attendees, the scholarship fund represents a practical investment in the next generation of local agricultural workers. For policymakers, the issues raised at the dinner reflect priorities that are likely to surface in committee hearings and votes during the short session, offering constituents clear points of accountability to track.

Union County residents involved in farming, ranching, or local education will see the effects of these dollars and policy debates over the coming months: scholarship recipients will apply funds to schooling and training, while legislative outcomes on labeling, housing allowances on farm land, wildfire resources and wildlife management will shape operational costs and risk management for area producers. The dinner left clear next steps for the community — support young agricultural students and watch how short‑session decisions play out for county ranches.