Local youth competing in farm show in Harrisburg
Many local youths are participating in the 2008 Pennsylvania Farm Show, which opened Saturday and continues through Jan. 12 in Harrisburg. Taking place in the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, the 92nd annual event will carry the theme “Presenting Pennsylvania Agriculture, New Ideas for New Markets’ and show how the face of agriculture in the state is changing and the industry is adapting.
County agent Don Fretts of the Penn State Cooperative Extension Office reported there are 47 local youths participating in the livestock competition.
He said, “I think 4-H members who compete at the farm show look forward to doing it again. It’s a lot more competitive environment than a fair and they are networking with junior exhibitors from all over the state. Some develop friendships with kids through the state that could last a lifetime.’
Fretts noted that winning at the farm show is a major accomplishment because of the level of competition. And he said he is proud of all the youths who compete on the state level.
“They gain incredible knowledge about the projects that are exhibited at the farm show, so if it’s something they choose to do later in life, they have the tools and they can network with other kids, their families and premier exhibitors.’
Fretts released the following list of youths who are competing in livestock classes at the state farm show:
Tyler Anderson of Dunbar, Ben Barcovtch of Scottdale, Ryan Bittinger of West Leisenring, Kelsey Breakiron of Hopwood, Jaden Bushmire of Smithfield, Christopher Diamond of Smithfield, Jacob Diamond of Smithfield, Nathan Duley of Fairchance, Ian Erdely of Perryopolis, Garrett Free of Smock, Rachel Free of Smock, Karlena Gallentine of Lemont Furnace, Nicholas Gardner of Grindstone, Scotty Garner of Grindstone.
Aaron Hall of Mill Run, Ed Hall of Mill Run, Katelyn Hall of Mill Run, Corey Harper of Uniontown, Andrew Hudok of Uniontown, Paul Keslar of White, Ethan Knopsnider of White, Matthew Kruest of Vanderbilt, Michael Lehman of Fairchance, Tiffany Lehman of Fairchance, Nick Marella of Fairchance, Zack Marella of Fairchance, Daron May of Mill Run, Dustin May of Mill Run, Evan May of Mill Run, Kelsey May of Mill Run, Kerri May of Mill Run, Bryant McGregor of West Leisenring, Hunter Morris of Belle Vernon, Ashley Pritts of Normalville, Brandon Pritts of Normalville, Justin Pritts of Normalville, Alyssa Miner of Connellsville.
Courtney Shumar of Grindstone, Jeffrey Shumar of Grindstone, Angela Becker of East Millsboro, Haylee Fromi of Perryopolis, Ronald Ritnour of Acme, Emily Jurilla of Point Marion, Pierce Willson of Fayette City, Ryan Witt of Champion and William Work of Uniontown.
Rebecca Giles of Belle Vernon also will attend the farm show as the Pennsylvania lamb and wool queen.
A press release issued by the state Department of Agriculture said the eight-day event is America’s largest indoor agricultural exposition, featuring nearly 8,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 270 commercial exhibitors. In addition, more than $465,000 in prize money will be offered to exhibitors.