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Blayne Arthur
From your perspective, why are county fairs still vital to the strength of our industry?
There is no question that county fairs are vital to a strong livestock industry. A county fair lays the groundwork for both a successful showman and a successful industry. I believe that everyone who wants to show livestock needs an easy access point. Just as Little League is incredibly important to Major League Baseball, county fairs are one of the first rungs on the ladder toward the American Royal, NAILE, or the National Western.
In Oklahoma, county fairs are well supported and attended. Most livestock participants are not required to pay an entry fee, and the county fair board provides premium dollars, and many county fairs also have premium auctions. With just 2% of the population actively involved in production agriculture, the county fair also provides the local community an opportunity to interact with our 4-H and FFA exhibitors and ask questions about how we produce the animal protein consumers enjoy every day.
Do you believe the industry sometimes over-glorifies majors at the expense of grassroots programs?
I believe it is important to celebrate the success of our livestock youth at all levels. To win at any level, but especially at a major show, is an incredibly difficult task. You have to work hard to compete at the national level—invest time, energy, and resources—and often have a little luck on your side.
A win at a major is often a once-in-a-lifetime event, so I think it is important to celebrate that showman. Some might think that county fairs aren’t as important or not as challenging, but the county my kids participate in has exhibitors who excel at the national level in multiple species. (I often say we have one of the toughest counties in the state.)
I think it’s also important to remember that every showman and every family has different goals. For some exhibitors, winning Supreme at the county level may be the goal they chase their entire show career. I believe that ensuring competitors of all levels of expertise compete at the county level is important. The only way we get better is if someone is pushing us.
We can all learn from one another, and if you have a highly competitive family in your county, I can almost assure you that they are glad to share their tips and tricks for success. (I would also say the tips and tricks are usually just a lot of early mornings, late nights, and elbow grease.)
What happens to our industry if county programs weaken, or even disappear?
I think it would be incredibly detrimental to the industry if county programs were to go away. Having a comfortable place to start your show experience that is close to home, no matter your age, is important.
Some youth start off with a bucket calf project at the county fair that turns into a lifelong love for the industry and banners at the national level. There is a community component to the county fair where kids are cheering on their friends and willing to help make sure someone gets to the ring, has a show stick, and gets their calf combed up.
County fair memories are cherished memories for almost all livestock exhibitors, no matter how old we are. These shows also remind the local business community of why it’s important to invest in the 4-H and FFA programs. The kids are showing livestock, but they are learning the life skills that will make them into the next leaders in our communities and states.
Why should influential operations, businesses, and breeders continue investing in county-level kids?
I believe the biggest challenge for production agriculture, and specifically livestock production, is that the general public doesn’t understand what we do. There are misconceptions about animal handling, daily care, and nutrition.
By investing in those youth who participate in county-level shows, we are ensuring we have the next generation of advocates for our industry. Businesses are also investing in those youth who may not come from a livestock background but have found a way to participate at the county level.
My kids are fortunate to get to compete at shows across the country, but oftentimes the first outing for a heifer or steer may be the county fair. I think there is more interaction at the county level with the general public than any other event we attend. Visitors from our community come to the fair to maybe get a corn dog or ride the Ferris wheel, but they more often than not wander through the barn.
We strive to make sure our showmen can talk about their project, the effort they put into it, and why it’s important for people to raise livestock.
How can we, as leaders, better elevate and support county exhibitors?
I think we need to support our county events, our county fair boards, and the volunteers who make these opportunities a reality for our youth. I think we need to acknowledge that not every showman or family has the desire or ability to compete at the national level and ensure they have the best facilities and awards possible at the county level.
As leaders in the industry, we should support county trophy auctions, sponsor a buckle, or support the fitting team competition. Investing in the next generation shows them that we care, and the work they do is valued and their success should be celebrated.
The county level provides a multitude of opportunities for exhibitors. There can be a county-raised division, a steer feed-out/carcass competition, or even a novice division for first-time exhibitors. As an industry, we should want to be inclusive and provide opportunities for exhibitors at all levels and price points.
I know some states select a statewide county fair champion, some states have a catch-a-calf program, and other states focus on carcass quality and data-driven awards. I think that any space or lane we can provide for access to competition for a youth who has an interest in livestock production is important.
I think it is also important that leaders within the industry not criticize the county-level shows or diminish their importance.
Please feel free to add any other comments or statements you feel called to share on the topic.
Everyone who participates in the livestock world had a starting point. Some get a head start on others, and some truly start from square one. A county-level show allows everyone to have a chance to compete, but also a chance to improve and learn from others.
Our 4-H educators and ag teachers can utilize county fairs to give first-time showmen a place to compete and learn, and more experienced showmen a place to lead and mentor.
And maybe most importantly, county fairs can be a lot of fun! We get caught up chasing banners at every level and sometimes forget that a huge part of showing livestock is the relationships and network we build, and the enjoyment of seeing kids competing with their projects.
I am supportive of anything that gets kids outside, working hard, and away from a screen.