Celebrating All Things Agricultural

By JEANETTE SHAMBAUGH

Moapa Valley Progress

The Agricultural Exhibit and Small Animal Barn was full of life at this year’s Clark County Fair. The exhibit celebrated all things agricultural: from vegetable gardening to meat, egg and milk production. The building also had a variety of small animals on display and 4-H Showmanship competitions and events throughout the fair weekend.

The Clark County Farm Bureau offered young fairgoers the experience of milking a cow, with a life-like dairy cow display. Children of all ages lined up throughout the weekend and took the opportunity to get their hands wet milking the life-like cow.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture gave guests an in-depth look at all the work that goes into bringing our Nevada farmed foods safely from the farm to your fork.
“We are all about keeping farming in Nevada safe, healthy and farmed with integrity,” said Patricia Hoppe from Nevada Food and Ag. “It is our passion and it is what we love to do.”

“Herds and Harvest” the University of Nevada’s cooperative extension program was there to share how they help local farmers and ranchers diversify their crops, increase yields, control weeds, protect and conserve water resources and establish sustainable grazing practices. They also help agricultural producers with training, mentoring, support and other tools to help them become more profitable.

“We are here to help people solve their problems in agriculture and horticulture,” said Doyle Raines of the Cooperative Extenson. “Not only are we here to help, we are here to help you free of charge.”

The area 4-H program was very busy throughout the weekend holding the small animal showmanship competitions at the Fair. Each showmanship contest was organized in three divisions: senior, intermediate and junior.

In the rabbit showmanship contest, the first place senior winner was Grace Zielinski. In the intermediate division Madalynn Dobek took first place. Allison Mcenulty won in the junior division.

For poultry showmanship, the first place senior was Grace Zielinski. Madison Solis led the intermediate division. The first place winner in the junior division was Addysen Sherwood.

In addition, they hosted a skillathon, quiz bowl, kickball tournament, barn dance and animal costume contest.

4-H Program Coordinator Lacey J Sproul-Tom along with Deshae Wallace said that they were impressed with all the 4-H youth and their showmanship skills.

Sproul-Tom said that she would like to thank all of the 4-H volunteers who made the weekend such a success.
“We were very happy with the all of success of the Ag Exhibit / Small Animal Barn this year,” said exhibit coordinator Kaluna Aki. “We gave guests a wonderful experience in learning how food gets to your plate and I would personally like to thank all of the volunteers who came out and showed their support.”