A 12-year-old Petaluma-area 4-H exhibitor broke the Sonoma County Fair record for a steer sale this week when her 2026 Supreme Champion sold for $50,000 at auction — a hammer price that both gratified fair officials and stunned some supporters gathered around the Jamison Ring.
Callie Cummings, a member of the Two Rock 4-H Club, raised her steer, Sterling, for more than 10 months before showing him at the fair’s Junior Livestock Auction. The sale was $17,000 higher than the previous record of $33,000, and more than double what last year’s Supreme Champion steer brought, according to fair officials.
For Cummings, the project was her first year showing beef after participating in 4-H since she was 5 and showing market swine since she was nine.
Her family decided to let her take on the project after her father, Sonoma County sheriff’s Detective Steve Cummings, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer last year, her mother, Kristen Cummings, said.
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Video by John Burgess
Participating in 4-H programs like Callie's experience often leads to invaluable life lessons beyond just competing and winning. Raising a steer for over 10 months requires consistent care, knowledge about animal health, feeding, and an understanding of market demands. From personal observation, young exhibitors develop strong responsibility and deepen their connection to agriculture and community through these projects. Breaking a record at a major event such as the Sonoma County Fair's Junior Livestock Auction involves more than just raising a superior animal—it highlights the commitment to quality and the support network of family and community. Callie's decision to start showing beef after years of market swine involvement reflects the versatility and growth opportunities within 4-H. The impact of family circumstances, like caring for a parent with cancer, can also fuel determination and focus. The dramatic increase in the auction price—from $33,000 to $50,000—illustrates both the growing appreciation for top-quality livestock and the enthusiasm of local buyers in supporting youth agricultural efforts. As someone closely involved with 4-H, I’ve seen how auctions create meaningful experiences where young exhibitors meet potential mentors and buyers who may continue to support their agricultural and leadership journeys. For aspiring 4-H members or anyone interested in agriculture, this story serves as inspiration to pursue challenging projects and build lifelong skills. It also emphasizes the importance of community encouragement and the role of family support in nurturing young talents in competitive arenas like the Sonoma County Fair.