Livestock are a major part of the agricultural economy in Mercer County.  As such, livestock shows in our county are usually some of the largest in the state.  In addition, community and economic development is a driver in programming conducted through the Mercer County Extension Office.  The Mercer County Fair & Horse Show, the oldest continuous running county fair in the United States, has livestock shows including dairy, sheep, pig, goat and beef.  The ANR agent works closely with each of these show committees on plans for the shows and is primarily responsible for show advertisement, ordering ribbons and other supplies, entries, getting results published in the local paper and other aspects of these shows.  In 2018, the shows included over 350 head of livestock and 113 exhibitors.  The ANR agent also assists with the Kentucky State Fair Youth and Open Dairy Shows helping with stalling and serving as Ayrshire Breed Superintdent.  During the North American International Livestock Expo, the ANR agent works as Milk Sampling Coordinator and Jersey assistant for youth and open shows.  Mercer County hosts the Harrodsburg District Dairy Show each year.  In 2019, this show grew substantially with over 125 head of dairy cattle and increase in exhibitors as well.  Mercer County also hosts a District Goat Show which also saw increases in participation.  Livestock shows are a valuable way to youth and adults alike to learn valuable life skills and increase their livestock production knowledge which can assist them in obtaining jobs in the livestock or broader agriculture industry in the future.  Livestock shows are a great way for youth to learn an appreciation for agriculture and build their confidence.