Young exhibitors are the future of agriculture

The future of agriculture can seem bleak at times, as family farms become less common and the importance of living off the land can seem lost at times.

But at the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair over Labor Day weekend, 21 young exhibitors proved the future is bright with promise as they proudly led their animals into the show ring as members of the Open Class.

The youngsters represented multiple communities and attracted the most attention at the fair due to their youthful exuberance and cuteness, as well what they represented: hope for the future generations and the future of agriculture.

The group represented the communities of Ritzville, Lind, Sprague and Cheney, and the audience was unanimous that they represented their towns well.

While the troupe of youngsters did not yet understand the importance of being involved with livestock at their age, it was evident they all enjoyed the experience. With the most experienced exhibitors showing for four years, many of the Open Class members were first time showmen at the annual fair.

The group of showmen who entered the beef show ring during fair were Kelly Cordill, Kale Cordill, Zachary Klein, Maeve Korthuis, Addilynn McKay, Olivia Robbins and Alyssa Williams.

In the swine ring were Brenik Esser, Jayce Kelly, Camron Olson and Douglas Olson.

The sole goat showman at the fair was Brock Tracy. Three youngsters turned out to show sheep: Zoe Galbreath, Aubree Sitton and Robbins.

The poultry department also hosted a large crowd of youth exhibitors with Reagan Korthuis, Maeve Korthuis, Henry McRae, Merit McRae, Sadie Towne and Hannah Towne. Showing a rabbit for the first time was Case McBride.

On Friday afternoon in the Fitting and Showing contest, Joel Klein and three-year-old Landon Williams also had an opportunity to show. The two were the youngest exhibitors at the fair, and were assisted by their parents during the contest.

Many of the exhibitors did not limit themselves to only showing livestock, but also they also completed projects to display in the exhibit buildings.

The experience with showing at a young age can help teach the exhibitors the responsibilities of caring for an animal, as well as understanding the importance of raising the project. Many of the Open Class exhibitors were not ashamed to admit they knew the animals they were showing would one day end up on someone’s dinner plate.

But that did not stop them from naming their animals and preserving their innocence.

As fairs throughout the nation struggle to attract large crowds and keep the events viable, the promise and hope held by the young exhibitors gives the local fair an optimistic look to the future. With families allowing their children to begin the livestock showing experience at a young age, the exhibitors have an opportunity to see what programs like 4-H and FFA could one day offer.

Agricultural organizations are important in helping individuals develop leadership skills, as well as mature by learning how to handle responsibilities on a daily basis.

The success of these programs and organizations are dependent on a strong core of teachers, advisors and volunteers to ensure the future of agriculture remains promising.

The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair Open Class exhibitors proved the local communities have a strong core of supporters who are willing and ready to encourage the younger generation on their path to success.