With the threat of storms looming on the horizon and the fresh tantalizing sent of barnyard filling the nostrils, the 2017 Clay County Agriculture fair was under way.
It was definitely Hollywood night as the red carpet was rolled out for some of the finest looking animals in this county. There may have not been as many as in previous years, but quality was a 110 percent.
On Saturday night the auction was held as youth paraded their animals in the corral for the potential buyers. The stands were full of bidders, and it was a great time for the youth to understand the meaning of hard work paying off. Many thanks go out to those who bid and made it possible. All in all it was a good show, and we walk away from the event with good memories, and some with pockets of money. Without these laudable figures that stand in the fields and pens, who brave the elements day after day, this event would not take place. Some of the youth of this county still hold true the ideals of farm life and have a desire for this way of life to continue. They did a great job of raising some of the most superb farm animals I have seen. The ones who were at the helm of the Agriculture Fair also did a fine job of putting it together. It is good that we still have people who care in this county.
Taking the top hog awards for 2017 was Ag Fair queen Kassidy Dawson; her hogs, Daisy and Bell, took home the Grand Champion and the Reserve Grand Champion awards.
They were some of the finest I have seen. Other winners were as follows: Market Rabbits Grand Champion- Clarissa Keiffer, Reserve- Eric Keiffer; Pygmy Goats Grand Champion- Clarissa Keiffer, Reserve- Isaiah Keiffer; Egg Layer Chickens Grand Champion- Eric Keiffer, Reserve- Lillie Triplett; Dual Purpose Chickens Grand Champion- Lillie Triplett, Reserve- Eric Keiffer; Meat Chickens Grand Champion – Haiden Morton; Grand Champion Steer- Bailey Triplett, Reserve- Lillie Triplett; Grand Champion Heifer- Larissa Young, Reserve- Richard Triplett.
Landon Williams was first in his class with a hog that was built like a tank and weighing in at just over 300 pounds. There were kids who won the best of show awards by knowing all about their animals and showing the judges that they knew what they were doing.
Winning scholarships was Ryan Adkins, Trevor Armes and Bailey Triplett. All of the youth did an excellent job of raising animals and showing them. Thanks to all the bidders who showed up in support of the kids. As the Ag Fair closed its doors on 2017 one just couldn’t leave without listening to the animals communicating to each other and maybe a singing song in a language all their own … don’t take my mud hole away…don’t use straightner on my tail, just keep the rotten cabbage a comin’ to fatten me for the sale. Support the youth, they are the future!
