The Eugene Livestock Auction in Junction City, OR, is under new ownership. Longtime employee Leon Birky and his wife, Chole, closed on the deal in mid-August for an undisclosed amount.
The market, which has been active in the Willamette Valley for decades, was on the brink of closing and demolition when previous owner Bruce Anderson decided to sell. Birky told WLJ he sees a lot of opportunity for the auction market which will continue to hold weekly livestock sales on Saturdays and horse sales the second Sunday each month. He noted that in addition to cattle, they also have a strong showing of sheep and goats at the sales, an area he would like to expand.
As one of the largest feeder auction markets in the Willamette Valley, Birky said the number of cattle going through the ring varies seasonally, as is the case in auctions across the country. Looking to the future, Birky said, “It’s still going to be a family-run business and I want to run it with integrity as best as I can. It will pretty much continue as it was before.”
He sees a lot of opportunities and potential for the market and told WLJ, “I want to build relationships on integrity and honesty.”
Birky, who is also an auctioneer, said, “I grew up attending sales here— sitting there with my dad listening to the auctioneer chant—that’s kind of how I got into it.” An open house to greet current, former and potentially new customers is planned on Sept. 8.
