Four students, ranging in age from 11 to 15, will serve as Honorary Commissioners of Agriculture for the Day during the State Fair of West Virginia, August 9-18. This is the second year for the contest. Each student submitted a written or video essay on “The Future of Agriculture: Ideas for Feeding the World.”

“We have to inspire the next generation of farmers and producers,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “Allowing these young people to see myself and those who work at the department in action may spark a life-time of learning. This is a great example of do what you preach.”

The students will spend the day at the fair shadowing Commissioner Leonhardt and his staff, sit in on meetings and events, tour the fair grounds and learn about all the ways the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is involved in the fair. The students will also be featured in the September Market Bulletin.

Jared Moles of Clay County is homeschooled, and already knows a thing or two about farming. Not only does this 14-year-old raise and care for his own animals, he also helps out in the family garden. He will be serving as Honorary Commissioner on Sunday, August 12.

For more information about the Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture for a Day program, contact Crescent Gallagher at 304-558-3708 or cgallagher@wvda.us.