The Benton Franklin Market Stock Auction drew a record amount of sales.

KENNEWICK, Wash. — The Benton Franklin Fair Market Stock Auction broke yet another record in 2023 with a sale total of $1,368,834 last month.

Those funds go to the youth exhibitors who participate in the auction as the culmination of their months-long livestock projects. Four-hundred and nine head of animals were sold at the Aug. 26 event to 244 businesses. Many other individuals and companies contributed additional dollars to specific exhibitors.

The Benton Franklin Market Stock Auction is the largest youth livestock auction in the state and the largest single-event fundraiser in the Tri-Cities. Buyers can choose to have the animal processed locally to stock their freezers or turn them to larger processors to become part of the food supply chain.

The locally raised meat from some animals is also donated by purchasers to the Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission.

The Market Stock Committee is comprised of volunteers who meet year-round to make sure the auction is the best experience for participants, livestock and the generous buyers from our community.

The Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo has an annual economic impact of $18.5 million in Benton County. It takes more than 500 volunteers to produce the annual event.

The 2024 Benton Franklin Fair & Horse Heaven Round-Up will be Aug. 20-24.