The show must go on Youth exhibit livestock at modified event ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA
T
he world almost felt normal for a while as Virginia’s youth stepped into the ring with their animals. While the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of Virginia, 4-H and FFA members still had an opportunity to show their goats, sheep, cattle and swine the weekends of Sept. 24 and Oct. 3. Some participants and guests wore masks and were reminded to practice social distancing while watching the competitions at the 2020 “While a modified Modified Youth Livestock youth livestock fair was Shows at The Meadow Event not ideal, we believe it Park in Caroline County. About 300 youth allowed our youth to participated in the events, showcase the yearlong which were supported by Virginia FFA state officers effort they’ve put into and a host of volunteers raising their animals, from Virginia Cooperative and enabled them to Extension and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. earn scholarship money Agriculture and youth are as well.” the foundation of the fair’s — VFBF PRESIDENT mission, “so our first priority was to find a way to honor WAYNE F. PRYOR our youth and allow them to be recognized for their dedication and hard work,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “While a modified youth livestock fair was not ideal, we believe it allowed our youth to showcase the yearlong effort they’ve put into raising their animals, and enabled them to earn scholarship money as well.” Ashley Isaacson of Stafford County showed dairy and market goats both weekends. She has participated in 4-H livestock shows since elementary school. At age 19, she is not eligible to compete next year. 20
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Isabella Dean, 16, of Madison County, shows her Hereford beef cow in the ring.
Ethan Walsh, 16, of Frederick County, with his Yorkshire purebred pig.
