Big Plans For Agriculture Barn At The 2017 Fair

By MAGGIE MCMURRAY

Moapa Valley Progress

Looks of awe and wonder are the most commonly seen expressions on the faces of adults and children alike in the Agriculture Barn at the Clark County Fair. Formerly known as the Small Animal Barn, the building has become so much more than just small animals under the supervision of barn directors Jen and Kaluna Aki. Indeed, the barn celebrates all things agricultural from vegetable gardening to meat, egg, and milk production.

This year once again there are big things in store for the Agriculture building.
Many of the old favorites will be back, including the always popular egg hatching display as well as poultry and rabbit shows. But there will be new additions as well.
“I think, perhaps, the new addition that I am most excited about is the brand new dairy goat show,” said Jen Aki.

This year’s dairy goat show will be the first open show ever offered. An open show is just what it sounds like: it is open for anyone to enter, adult or child, 4-H member or not. Word of the dairy goat show is already spreading and many questions have arisen.
“I know we have had “pet goat” shows in the past but this is different,” Aki said. “This is for female goats in milk. We are bringing in a dairy judge from California. She’ll be judging on bag size and condition and breed characteristics. Our goal is to eventually have the Dairy Goat Association officially sanction the show. It’s really an exciting thing.”

Another fun addition comes courtesy of barn assistant Scott Adams. Adams specializes in teaching and training kids about all aspect of raising and showing healthy poultry. Adams proposed a coop design contest for all 4-H groups or kids that were interested. Kids will design and build a coop for 3-5 chickens to be displayed at the fair.

Cindy Hardy from Nevada Farm Bureau is very excited about the new display the Farm Bureau will be rolling out this year. “It is still being built but it will be something that is hands-on and a lot of fun,” Hardy said.

She added that fan favorite Maggie the Milk Cow will be back, as well as a lot of great facts and things to learn about agriculture. They will also be having a chicken coop raffle with the winner taking home one of Kaluna Aki’s coveted designer chicken coops.

Butter carving, goat milking, chicken bingo, piglets, farrier demonstrations, a 4-H booth, and many other great displays will also be returning to the barn.
Of course, chickens and other poultry, waterfowl, and rabbits will be judged and displayed. Entries are currently being accepted for these animals and will be taken only until all the cages are full. Aki encourages those who want to show off their potentially prize-winning poultry or pets to register as soon as possible.

Registration information can be found on the fair website ccfair.com. Click on the “exhibits” tab and then on “small animals.” The page contains a link to a registration form.