Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend is over
By Terry Murry on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton Cattle Barons weekend held this past May will be the last event. The horse and working dog sale, ranch rodeo, and other events have raised money for scholarships and to support the agricultural community for 17 years. Here is the formal announcement from the event’s board of directors:
The decision to conclude Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend comes after years of dedicated effort by the organization’s board members and volunteers to keep the event moving forward in the face of rising costs, and challenges within the horse sale industry.
The organization is grateful to the many sponsors, donors, volunteers, participants, and community members who have supported Cattle Barons throughout the years. Their generosity and commitment have made it possible for the event to fulfill its mission and make a lasting difference in the agricultural community.
While the organization is concluding, its mission will continue. Over the past 17 years, Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend has provided nearly $200,000 in scholarships and other support to individuals and organizations connected to agriculture and the ranching community.
As part of the dissolution, all remaining funds will be distributed to a like-minded organization, with those funds designated to continue the Cattle Barons mission: “Preserving the Western Heritage, One Scholarship at a Time.”
Longtime past president Andy VanderPlatt described the decision to close the organization as “a very tough and sad decision,” while recognizing the important role Cattle Barons has played in the region. “Cattle Barons filled a great need in supporting the agriculture community of Northeast Oregon,” says VanderPlatt.
Incoming President Ben Buchert will oversee the dissolution process with a reduced Board of Directors. The board’s priority will be to ensure that the organization’s remaining resources are preserved and directed toward future scholarship opportunities and agricultural support, rather than being unnecessarily spent during the close-out process.
“It will take several months to close out the organization, but our board is committed to doing so in a timely and efficient manner while keeping expenses to a minimum,” Buchert said. “Our goal is to make sure the funds that remain continue to have an impact and support the mission that Cattle Barons has carried for the past 17 years.”
As the organization winds down, efforts will include closing the organization’s website and social media platforms and eliminating ongoing monthly expenses. The Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend email will remain active through the final stages of the dissolution.
Although Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend is coming to an end, its legacy will continue through the students, families, and members of the agricultural community who have benefited from its support. The organization’s board is proud of the nearly $200,000 invested in scholarships and community support over the past 17 years and is committed to ensuring its remaining funds continue that legacy.
More information regarding the dissolution may be obtained by contacting Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend at pendletoncattlebarons@hotmail.comor by mail at P.O. Box 1900, Pendleton, Oregon 97801.
File photo from a past Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend
