Author: Tad Campbell
Planning Unit: Entomology
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Plan of Work: Livestock and the Environment
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
With many fairs and livestock show cancelled during the COVID pandemic, the Mason County LIA decided to move forward with holding an event youth could showcase summer livestock projects during 2020. The Extension Service provided guidance and recommendations of following ever-changing health and safety protocols during the planning process of the event. The Mason County LIA has hosted a youth livestock show and auction for decades, however, 2020 would require changes to the normal event process as compared to years past. The group met several times to plan a safe event that followed protocols from the local health department and state. To offer the event in the safest manner, the overall showmanship classes, supreme animal overall, and auction were removed from the show. Extension worked with the group to accept entries and build a database for the show. The organization membership pulled together with most all members helping out in some manner during the event to make a successful youth livestock show. The event was over two days with species showing during the morning and evening allowing for time between each show for cleanup, sanitization, and movement of trailers. Over 40 youth participated in the multi-county event offering classes for market steers, feeder, lambs, goats, and swine. In addition to offering the event, local businesses supported the event through donations since the auction was not able to take place. Each exhibitor received a stipend that was offered for each exhibitor in addition of monetary awards for showmanship and champion animals. Numerous parents and exhibitors commented how great the show was, how the location provided for an enjoyable relaxing atmosphere, and how appreciative they were for the groups to offer an event for the youth to showcase animals. Local leadership came together to plan a safe event for youth to exhibit livestock projects making the day a huge success for the livestock families and the leadership.
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