The Oregon State University Dairy Club's Beaver Classic Sale this year has added importance.

"Usually the money raised at the sale goes to the operating expenses of the dairy club," said Jessica Budge, dairy club president. This year, in addition to funding the club's operating expenses, the money is being used to kick off an endowment fund the club hopes will pay for student activities for years to come.

Started late last year, the Dairy Advocacy Fund is dedicated to supporting dairy-related activities, including activities of the dairy judging team, dairy challenge contest and to cover membership fees in the American Dairy Science Association.

Dairy students decided to establish the fund after learning in September that college administrators had cut dairy club funding, including funding that supports travel expenses for the judging team.

This year's Beaver Classic Sale consignment sale will feature more than 40 high-quality dairy heifers, as well as embryo packages, according to Budge.

The sale, will also features a silent auction and complimentary dinner, will be held March 2 in the recently opened Oldfield Animal Teaching Pavilion on the OSU campus beginning with dinner at 6 p.m. The sale begins at 7 p.m.

--Mitch Lies