Lifestyle  Rural Lifestyle

Wasco County Livestock Shows Continue Despite Fair Cancellation

County Commissioner Jeff Justesen discusses how the community found a new home for its 4-H and FFA livestock shows.

August 24, 2026 05:00 PM • 
Eliza Petry, Neal Burnette-Irwin

THE DALLES, Ore. (RFD News) — Wildfires forced the Wasco County Fair to cancel this year, but neighboring communities came together to make sure 4-H and FFA members still had a chance to show and sell their livestock.

Wasco County Commissioner Jeff Justesen joined us on Saturday’s Market Day Report Weekend to discuss the decision to cancel the fair and how organizers found a new home for the livestock events.

In his conversation with RFD News, Justesen said worsening fire conditions and hazardous smoke ultimately led the Fair Board to unanimously cancel the event. Soon after, organizers began looking at neighboring fairgrounds and ultimately moved the livestock shows to the Hood River County Fairgrounds.

Animals began arriving Thursday, with shows starting Friday and the livestock auction held Saturday. Justesen said the relocated auction set a record for the Wasco County 4-H and FFA livestock auction.

Related Stories
ZI33O1ko.jpg
FarmTech
Ohio AgrAbility Helps Paralyzed Farmer Return to the Field
A lift system and tracked wheelchair have helped Heath continue working after his accident.
October 08, 2026 06:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
HFQUgj8R.jpg
Crops
Scott’s Orchard Celebrates 125 Years of Family Farming
The orchard along the Tennessee-Alabama border combines fruit production with agritourism.
October 08, 2026 04:01 PM
 · 
Charles Denney
zV5QI7CM.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Nebraska Program Connects Donated Beef With Foster Families
Foster Love With Beef gives ranchers a way to support foster families in their communities.
October 07, 2026 09:54 AM
 · 
Eliza Petry
x4Qs305J.jpg
FarmHER + RanchHER
What a Move From New York City to a Pennsylvania Farm Taught Filmmaker Rupa Mehta
Rupa Mehta discusses her journey from New York City to rural Pennsylvania and her work telling stories about farm mental health, safety, and agriculture.
October 06, 2026 05:30 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
MTyrPcni.jpg
National FFA Organization
Countdown to Convention: Clare Dunn Talks New Music and her FFA Roots
Dunn reflects on growing up in rural Colorado and the influence FFA still has on her career.
October 06, 2026 05:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
P4gcy1dh.jpg
FarmTech
Nebraska Digital Ag Hub Looks to Advance Farm Technology
The statewide network will bring researchers and producers together to test new technology.
October 06, 2026 04:37 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin

Livestock Shows Wildfires
Eliza Petry
Eliza Petry



LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

iuZlJXkz.jpg
Rural Money
Higher Costs Slow Canadian Farmland Growth
Higher input costs and trade uncertainty are making buyers more selective.
October 08, 2026 06:36 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
0X9UImdu.jpg
Crops
New United Soybean Board CEO Prioritizes Market Expansion
Courtney Knupp wants faster results as soybean growers face challenging market conditions.
October 08, 2026 05:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
YakRRsnO.jpg
Trade
U.S.-India Trade Talks Struggle to Advance
Both sides say there is little room left for compromise as negotiations continue.
October 08, 2026 05:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
1wE3WhdI.jpg
Washington Policy
Bipartisan Farm Labor Bill Seeks Changes to H-2A Program
The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act would expand access to year-round livestock and dairy operations.
October 08, 2026 02:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
0H4sEMIv.jpg
Energy
Senate Bill Seeks to Extend Small Biodiesel Producer Credit
The proposed extension would keep the small producer credit in place through 2029.
October 08, 2026 02:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
hBIRYkiy.jpg
USDA
USDA Reviews Farmer Complaints Over Equipment Sales and Repairs
The inquiry will examine whether manufacturer restrictions are increasing costs for farmers.
October 08, 2026 12:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
XG1Ifzqp.jpg
Markets
Land Quality Drives Growing Divide in Farmland Market
Some lower-quality farms are failing to sell as buyers remain willing to pay for better ground.
October 07, 2026 06:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
S8r9g8z2.jpg
USDA
USDA Changes Renewable Energy Funding Requirements
A bipartisan Senate bill would also seek to speed up permitting for energy and infrastructure projects.
October 07, 2026 05:29 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
weMF3DfL.jpg
Washington Policy
California Lawmakers Seek Limits on Mexican Avocado Imports
Lawmakers say import surges are driving down U.S. avocado prices and threatening domestic production.
October 07, 2026 04:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
acCzrKwA.jpg
Crops
Soybean Crushers Scramble for Supplies as Harvest Slows
Wet weather has delayed harvest, forcing some processors to pay more for available local soybeans.
October 07, 2026 04:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
JDufHJE9.jpg
Energy
Farmers Face Higher Fertilizer Costs Heading Into 2027
Farmers who bought fertilizer early for the 2026 crop may not have the same advantage next year.
October 07, 2026 03:20 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
2TjvifRI.jpg
Energy
Propane Supplies Hold Steady Ahead of Grain Drying Season
Industry officials expect few supply issues unless widespread grain drying drives a surge in demand.
October 07, 2026 02:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin


Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
opry live lockup_1920x1080.png
251125_GR_DailyVincent0645.jpg
Mollie B
ChrisAndTaylorMalpass_wPhotoCredit_1920x1080.jpg
TwistedSkillet_SeanWithGrill-Smiling_1920x1080.jpg
Opry Live on RFD-TV Presented by John Deere
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Dailey & Vincent Show
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Mollie B Polka Party
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Malpass Brothers Show
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Twisted Skillet
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.

ALL SHOWS