Eagle Point High School FFA Students Shine at the Jackson County Fair

The 2026 Jackson County Fair showcased the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of Eagle Point High School FFA students, and two members of the chapter earned standout honors that reflected months, and in many cases, years, of commitment to agriculture and livestock.

Sophie Mayfield, the current Eagle Point FFA Chapter President, earned Champion FFA Market Hog, with her animal becoming the highest-selling hog at the Junior Livestock Auction, bringing $67 per pound. Although her hog sold third in the overall auction order, it commanded the highest price of any hog sold. Sophie recently completed her junior year and is preparing to lead the chapter through her senior year.

For Sophie, the recognition represents much more than a successful day at the fair.

"FFA has become more than just showing animals to me," she said. "It has taught me responsibility, work ethic, leadership, and truly how to overcome challenges."

She credits the journey, not just the victories, for shaping who she has become.

"There are hard days when things don't go as planned, but those moments taught me the most," Sophie said. "I never imagined all the friendships, mentors, and opportunities this journey would bring, or that one day I would win Grand Champion FFA Market Hog."

Sophie plans to invest her auction proceeds back into her livestock program by growing her breeding herd while also helping fund her college education after graduation.

"Selling my hog for $67 a pound is something I will never forget," she said. "My community didn't just invest in my hog; they invested in my future."

Another outstanding performance came from Kambria Kennington, a recent 2026 graduate. Kambria won her steer class, earned the title of Reserve Champion FFA Beef Showman, and sold the highest-selling steer at the auction at $36 per pound.

Kambria has been involved in livestock since fourth grade and said joining FFA opened doors far beyond the show ring.

"I wanted to be able to evaluate my livestock and be part of the livestock judging team," she said. "That led me to so many other opportunities throughout FFA. I've shown goats, cattle, and hogs, and it's been an incredible experience all four years."

The overwhelming support she received during the auction left a lasting impression.

"I was literally in tears in the sale ring," Kambria recalled. "I had 16 buyers supporting my steer. You don't realize how much that kind of support means until you're standing there experiencing it."

Kambria plans to use her auction earnings to purchase her first vehicle, invest in a quality heifer to continue building her livestock experience, and save for her future.

"This gives me the opportunity to keep doing what I love," she said. "It's an investment that will continue to grow long after fair is over."

Both students emphasized that their accomplishments would not have been possible without the encouragement of their families, teachers, mentors, buyers, and the Eagle Point community.

The Jackson County Fair celebrates the dedication of young agricultural leaders each year, but it also highlights the lasting partnerships between students and the community that supports them. Through programs like FFA, students gain far more than ribbons and awards; they develop leadership, responsibility, confidence, and career-ready skills that will serve them for years to come.

Eagle Point School District 9 is proud of all 22 students for their overall outstanding accomplishments and a total of $164,188 in auction sales. Thanks to every buyer, volunteer, mentor, and community member who invested in the future of local students, this year's Junior Livestock Auction was a major success.