Summer 2026 Community Newsletter
Posted by Grange Co-op on 29th Sep 2026
BLUE RIBBONS AND BUSY DAYS AT YOUR LOCAL FAIR
Dear student exhibitors: As another busy fair season wraps up, we want to join your parents, teachers advisors, and leaders in congratulating you on a job well done. From every pre-dawn barn duty, to helping one another in the auction ring late into the night, between every shared wash rack and hi-five, you gave your best and regardless of placement, should be proud. Grange Co-op celebrates the hard work and well-earned achievements of all our 4-H, FFA, and youth in ag as they compete in jackpots, fairs, rodeos, and competitions across our great country, and we’re proud to have been there with you at several fairs across Oregon and California.
Some stand outs from the 2026 fair season:
Grange Co-op supported 82 students through auction purchases or add-ons, in thirteen county and district fairs across 10 counties.
We sponsored the first Beef ultrasound carcass contest in Jackson County, which provided 72 students the opportunity to have their animal’s meat quality evaluated prior to surrendering, while educating other community members about it takes to produce quality meats ‘from project to plate’.
Forgot that last can of Show Shine, or made it all the way to fair only to realize the bag of bedding was still sitting by the barn? It happens - fair week is busy, and everyone is juggling a lot. Thankfully, Grange Co-op had you covered. Our Show Supply Support Trailer was onsite at the Jackson County Spring Fair, Jackson County Fair, and Josephine County Fair, fully stocked with the show supplies, feed, and bedding students, 4-H, and FFA families might need. We’re proud to arrive early and stay late, helping families avoid an emergency trip to the store when every minute at the fairgrounds counts.
Jackson County Fair also hosts the Rancher’s Choice competition, open to Jackson County Junior Stockmen and hosted by the Jackson County Stockmen’s Association. Over two-dozen competitors were evaluated not just in beef confirmation and showmanship, but an essay contest, interview, and record keeping. This prestigious award highlights not just the junior stockmen’s success in raising a project animal, but the holistic approach that it takes to produce beef successfully. Congratulations to this year’s winner Peyton Tankersley, and to all the participants for your recognized hard work.
GROWING TOMORROW'S AG LEADERS
For several years, Grange Co-op has partnered with the Oregon FFA Foundation, offering a grant to chapters in Southern Oregon. More recently, we’ve extended this grant program into California, as a separate collaboration with the California FFA Foundation benefitting chapters in the Superior Region as well as some satellite counties.
We’re pleased to announce that once again, both application periods are open and accepting applications - this financial assistance supports chapter-wide projects or initiatives that promote premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for students, with an emphasis on agricultural education.
CELEBRATING HEROES
Central Point’s Freedom Festival is one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in Southern Oregon, complete with flyovers and huge crowds. This year, Grange Co-op was honored to drive the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) – Rogue Chapter #1260 as the esteemed Grand Marshalls of the 2026 parade.
We honor these veterans for their service, and thank them for protecting our country’s freedoms. It was a privilege to take part in a celebration that brings the community together in gratitude, patriotism, and appreciation for those who have served.
Moments like these remind us how fortunate we are to live, work, and celebrate alongside neighbors who continue to give so much to our region and our country.
WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER
After a busy spring and a sweltering summer, Grange Co-op employees deserved a break! All of our stores took some time away from work to celebrate in one another’s company, share some laughs, and some great food.
HOMETOWN HARVEST KICKOFF
We’re throwing a Hometown Harvest Kickoff party, and you’re invited! On Saturday, October 17th at all locations, you can join Grange employees, vendors, friends, and families for a fun-filled event that revels in the autumnal spirit. Vendors will be imparting info about their products while 4-H and FFA students will be on hand to share their summer success and future goals, and maybe bring a few fuzzy friends! The day promises to be a fun-filled festive celebration!
LIBRARY TALKS & WALKING THE WALK
Grange Co-op was invited to present at several Jackson County Library locations as part of the JCLS’s Summer Reading program.
Employee Jordan Land spoke to crowds of all ages about the history of urban gardening, how that has shaped community gardens and greenification movements, and demonstrated how participants could make their own Seed Balls at home for some backyard beautification of their own!