Success StoryLivestock Shows



Livestock Shows

Author: Linda McClanahan

Planning Unit: Mercer County CES

Major Program: Community Engagement

Plan of Work: Agriculture and Horticulture

Outcome: Initial Outcome

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.






Stories by Linda McClanahan


Field Day Follow-Up on Composting

about 1 months ago by Linda McClanahan

Do we make an impact when we have educational activities like field days? First consider that impact... Read More


Agriculture Awareness through School Enrichment Days

about 1 months ago by Linda McClanahan

As we have fewer people involved in the agriculture industry and in food production it becomes incre... Read More


Stories by Mercer County CES


Pumpkin Fun

Pumpkin Fun

about 26 days ago by Tara Duty

The Mercer County FCS Agent partnered with the Mercer County Horticulture Agent and Senior NEP Assis... Read More


Harrodsburg Tree Board

Harrodsburg Tree Board

about 1 months ago by Jessica Bessin

With Harrodsburgs 250th anniversary right around the corner the Harrodsburgs local Tree Board has be... Read More