What’s the news?
Across West Virginia, final preparations are being made for the biggest livestock show of the year – the State 4-H and FFA Junior Livestock Show at the State Fair of West Virginia. For months, West Virginia University Extension Service employees and state FFA advisers around the state have been working with youths in their communities to prepare them to show their project animals in the junior livestock competitions at the State Fair on Aug. 8 to Aug. 15, teaching valuable life skills in the process. And efforts do not stop once everyone arrives at the fair; there, you will find WVU Extension Service and FFA personnel staffing barns and managing shows to give those competing the best experience possible.
Quotes and comments
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to show and sell their animals at the State Fair, and our WVU Extension Service faculty are so glad to partner with the state FFA organization to help these kids succeed. This is a year-long commitment, and the kids learn so many important life skills, from responsibility to decision making, throughout the year. But it also helps them make lifelong friends and connections that will benefit them in future stages of life. It’s always exciting to be at the State Fair and watch how these kids develop over the years.” – Jennifer Williams, WVU Extension Service Associate Dean for Partnerships and Initiatives and show general superintendent
“Youth livestock projects teach life skills and allow kids to have some fun along the way. It is not easy to get an animal ready to compete, and we are fortunate to have the State Fair as a place to showcase the hard work of our West Virginia 4-H and FFA members. While the time in the show ring is important, the time spent with family and friends at the fair will creating lasting memories is much more important. Blue-ribbon animals are nice, but blue-ribbon kids are the focus of our WVU Extension Service educators and show managers.” – Ronnie Helmondollar, WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director and show general superintendent
WVU Extension Service faculty and staff will be on site throughout the week to help arrange interviews with youth participants, if interested.
Resources
Highlighted Events:
Market Goat Show – Friday, Aug. 9 at noon; Tractor Supply Small Stock Arena
Market Lamb Show – Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8 a.m.; Tractor Supply Small Stock Arena
Market Hog Show – Sunday, Aug. 11 at 8:30 a.m.; Tractor Supply Small Stock Arena
Market Steer Show – Sunday, Aug. 11 at 4 p.m.; Southern States Livestock Arena
Youth Livestock Auction – Monday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m.; Tractor Supply Small Stock Arena
Showmanship and skillathon competitions, also part of the junior livestock show, are great opportunities for youths. Several competitions occur daily, times will vary.
Full Livestock Competition Schedule (Note: All youth competitions can be identified on the schedule by the “junior” or “market” labels.)
WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Agriculture
State Fair of West Virginia Livestock Competitions
Target audiences
Fairgoers
Parents of current and prospective 4-H and FFA members
Youths interested in agriculture and livestock
Community members and stakeholders
