I think I speak for many when I say I am excited to welcome back one of fall’s favorite traditions, the N.C. State Fair. For farmers, the fair is about so much more than the games and rides – it’s a showcase of the best of North Carolina agriculture.
The annual Livestock Show and Sale is always fun to watch, but it also serves an important purpose: beginning the education of the next generation of people who will tend our cows, pigs, goats and other livestock. And the lessons begin well before the fair, when a child chooses an animal and commits to its care and feeding.
See more: All’s Fair at N.C. State Fairs
Throughout the years, North Carolina Farm Bureau has invested considerably in making these events rewarding for the youth who participate. It never fails to fill me with joy when I see the look on the face of a child who has turned their months of effort into a successful result at the sale of their animal. I’d ask that when you stop by to watch them parade their animals, please give them a cheer. And if you attend the Mountain State Fair or Carolina Classic Fair, also returning this fall, you can make a young livestock-shower’s day there, too, with a “Great job!” or “Way to go.”
See more: 6 Reasons to Visit the 2021 North Carolina State Fair
Farm Bureau provides opportunities to learn about agriculture beginning in early childhood. We offer age-appropriate farm lessons for K-12 students through our N.C. Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom program, which relies on a team of teachers all over the state who share our mission of starting children with accurate information about the food they eat and where it comes from. For the college and early adult years, our Young Farmers & Ranchers program presents farmers ages 18 to 35 with leadership and fellowship opportunities.
See more: Cattle Connections: North Carolina Local Beef
At North Carolina Farm Bureau, we believe the importance of preparing young people to grow into adults who choose to farm, whether they’re carrying on a family farm or blazing their own trail, cannot be overstated. That’s why youth development efforts like the N.C. State Fair Livestock Show and Sale will always have our support and involvement.
– President Shawn Harding
