Experiencing Washington County Fair

For me, showing livestock at the county fair isn’t just about leading or driving my animal in the ring. It is more about the work that goes into the project before you get to the fair.

To be fortunate to win, a coveted champion banner requires more than just work the week of the county fair. It all starts with working with your animal the months leading up to the fair to insure that when fair week rolls around your project looks the part of a champion.

My livestock projects have taught me some valuable life lessons that will benefit me as I head from high school on to college and then on into the workforce. Not only the obvious skills such as work ethic and animal health care, but also money management and even some important credit building through places like Farm Credit.

We are fortunate to live in Washington County that has the largest county fair in the state of Arkansas. This is all made possible by a group of volunteers that understand the importance of Livestock Projects for today’s youth. They put in countless hours to insure that FFA students and 4-H members get the opportunity to present their animals in front of a qualified judge and those best projects go on and make the premium sale. Showing at the fair has allowed me to make new friendships and strengthen others through showing and all the time spent together in and out of the show ring.

One of the best county fairs that I have experienced would be the one where my prospect show pig died before the fair and I had to find a new plan to be able to show. That was when I was able to show my first steer which sparked my drive for showing cattle as well as pigs. Although everyone involved in showing at the county fair may be from different backgrounds, for the week of the county fair everyone has the same interest, livestock and having fun.