Porterfield: Fairs Are Vital For the Next Generation Of Farmers

When you think of educating the next generation of farmers and consumers, where does the local fair fall?  If you ask Kady Porterfield with Washington Young Farmers and Ranchers, she’ll tell you local fairs are one of the best resources a community has to bridge that generational gap.  She said most local fair across Washington do a great job sticking to their agricultural roots, making education for consumers who may never set foot on a farm a priority.

“And that gives people who aren’t involved in agriculture or don’t live on farms or ranches a chance to come to the fair, and maybe have an interaction with an animal in the barn, that they might not have in their everyday lives.  And the local fair may be the only place they get that type of interaction.”

Porterfield added local fairs are great opportunities for young people to network and develop relationships that will benefit them and their future operation for years to come.  And local fairs are much better than larger, regional, or even state fairs for showcasing local farming and even local history.

While the fair season is months away, Porterfield asked all Washingtonians when legislation supporting local fairs comes up in Olympia to support that legislation, supporting their community’s fair.

“We are an avenue for 4-H and FFA, and we want to stay that way, and we want to keep those doors open for agricultural education and we are struggling right now in Washington state to keep any help from the legislature alive in our funding.  So, please reach out when we call out for letters or anything like that.  4-H and FFA has a huge impact because everyone understands the impacts on youth and how important it is.”

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com