Source: NCDA&CS, 6/23/20

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis to discuss “Today’s Topic.”

We recently announced that we would be holding junior livestock shows at the State Fair and Mountain State Fair whether we end up holding the fairs or not. The open shows have been cancelled.

To listen, click here.  

Today’s Topic
Summary of talking points:
I have some good news to share for youth livestock exhibitors at the State Fair and the Mountain State Fair — there will be junior livestock shows this year whether we hold the fairs or not.

We announced this last week to ensure junior competitors have time to prepare their animals for the show ring.
Agriculture and youth livestock events are at the heart of our fairs. In fact, it is the reason the State Fair and the Mountain State Fair are part of the department.

With so much uncertainty because of COVID-19, and because no decision has been made regarding the operation of these two fairs, we wanted to provide some assurance to junior competitors that they would have an opportunity to show.
Some may be purchasing or selecting their animals now, but they will need to work with them this summer to ensure they are ready for the show ring in the fall.

Unfortunately, we will not be holding open livestock shows this year. While I know this is disappointing and that open show competitors work just as hard, we felt it was important to give the our young people an opportunity to gain this valuable learning experience.

We are continuing to assess the ongoing guidance and recommendations regarding large events and will be making a decision about operating our two fairs in the future. But, please note, no decision has been made at this time.

We still have a number of details to work out with these modified junior shows, including the dates of shows. At this time, we have not determined the exact show dates.

We will be seeking sponsors for this year’s livestock shows. If anyone would like to be involved and support our youth through these shows, please contact our Livestock Marketing Section.

This is not the first time the State Fair has had to cancel livestock shows, but I hope we don’t have to do this again.

We have a frequently asked questions page up on our N.C. State Fair Livestock Facebook page. You can follow along for more updates as details are worked out.

The Mountain State Fair is slated for Sept. 11-20 and the N.C. State Fair is Oct. 15-25.