77th Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo

teaching youth valuable skills, Franklin County top in Steer

August 28, 2025

By: Katherine Trowbridge

Muhlbeier (center front) takes livestock photos during the Market Stock Auction led by Booker Auctioneers as buyers and family fill the barn in support of FFA and 4-H youth on Friday, August 22.

From feeding, walking, and cleaning to showing their animals in the ring, 4-H and FFA youth learn responsibility and the value of hard work. But it doesn’t stop there. From conversations with potential buyers to a smile, a handshake, and a thank you gift, they also learn quite a bit about business and networking and putting themselves forward. The value of a dollar is not lost on these young people who often use their earnings for next year’s project and put some away for college.

Many start young and gain a multitude of skills along the way to their final project as a senior. Others come back to volunteer and assist the next generation.

One young show-girl grew up and traded her hog in the show ring for a camera. Hannah Mulbeier, a Franklin County native, now boasts her own business as a livestock photographer. She travels across the country to take some great photos of the youth that are more like her than they know.

Mulbeier took care to set her subjects just right as she photographed this year’s Benton Franklin Royalty along with the Grand Champion showmen and their buyers.

Mulbeier has been providing her services at the Benton Franklin Fair for a few years now.You can find her photos showcased on her website at: https://hannahmuhlbeiercreative.com

This year’s Benton Franklin Fair proved successful for our Franklin County youth in the Steer barn. Taking top bidding was Kade Meacham, a Connell FFA member. Following close behind was FFA Reserve Champion Macey Beus. Grand Champion in 4-H was Imogen Calaway of the Country Stars 4-H Club followed by Reserve Champion Julian Gonzalez with the Footloose 4-H Club. Grand Champion Steer sold for $9/lb while Reserve went for $8 in FFA and $7.50 for 4-H.

Other local champions were found in the swine barn where Neva Hammer of the Country Stars 4-H club took Grand Champion. Followed by Conner Smasne, of Pasco with the FFA Grand Champion for Kamiakin. Grace Smasne took reserve 4-H for the Boots and Buckles Swine Club. Connell FFA member, Lauren Mertens, a hog showman, took Round Robin.

Merle Booker was honored at the start of the Market Stock Auction for his 50 years of service and continued support of the 4-H and FFA programs.

In its 77th year, the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo continues to play a big part in highlighting and building skills in these youth who show their animals.

Among the carnival rides and fair food, it wasn’t all hard work and no play. Our farming families enjoyed some great mac ‘n cheese and concerts, including Wynona, this year. The annual barn dance gave an opportunity for all the showmen to enjoy a night of fun together to conclude this year’s Benton Franklin Fair.