Auction History

2025 was the 46^th Anniversary of the Minnesota Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction. Take a stroll down memory lane with this great collection of past champions!

The First Year

First 4-H auction was held in 1980, the first year 4-H members could show market animals at the Minnesota State Fair
The auction was held in the swine barn
The auction generated $29,000

The Numbers

The 1980 auction generated $22,900
In 2000, the auction reached $100,000 for the first time
In 2005, it reached $200,000
In 2008, it reached $300,000
In 2012, it reached $400,000
In 2015, it reached $600,000
In 2018, it reached $700,000
In 2021, it reached $886,000
In 2022, it reached $1,000,000
In 2023, it reached $1,162,000
In 2024, it reached $1,215,000
In 2025, it reached $1,371,000

The 2025 Auction

Raised $1,371,000 for 115 4-H members
Awarded $132,500 in scholarships
12 new Champion records

Photo Collection

Find photos of all past champions and scholarship winners
Please share any photos of past champions and past scholarship winners