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More youth, families showing livestock at Nebraska State Fair

A near-record number of livestock exhibitors are participating in this year’s Nebraska State Fair.

Livestock Manager Tyler Griffeth says entries are up 11 percent in 4-H, 8 percent in open class and 2 percent in FFA. “Youth just want to get involved and more are showing livestock. There’s been a lot of new families jumping in and learning the ropes. We’re seeing an increase in swine and beef.”

He tells Brownfield the fair offers exhibitors an opportunity to share the story of agriculture. “Seeing these barns as open as possible, as well as our educational exhibits with our birthing pavilion and milking parlor are super important to keep everyone informed.”

And, Griffeth says, it helps educate consumers. “It connects them from the grocery store to their plate. It’s also nice for exhibitors to see the people that don’t know and they’re able to educate and explain what they do to those who come through the barns.”  

4-H livestock shows wrapped up this weekend, open class gets underway later today and FFA takes place this weekend.

The Nebraska State Fair runs through Labor Day.