Timing Is Everything

In the world of Agriculture timing is everything.  Timing is major benefactor to higher yields, correct calving seasons, more fruitful gardens, a more successful flock, etc.  You have to prune your trees at a certain time, start your seeds at certain time, top your tobacco at a certain time and spray for weeds at a certain time.  Our industry revolves around timing and our participation or “lack thereof” in this year’s county fair is no different from anything else we do in the agricultural field; it is simply a matter of timing. 

In no way, shape or form is the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service withdrawing our support of the McLean County Fair.  We still fully support the fair and any other event that is intended to bring our county’s residents together.  However, due to the timing of this year’s fair we will not be able to have 4-H, FFA and Agriculture Exhibits at the County Fair. 

Whether you are involved in agriculture or not, you understand that garden, floral, crop and livestock exhibits will not be ready the first part of June.  I hate to say it, but due to this long, cold, wet winter our farmers have a rough planting season ahead of them.  Most will not be finished by County Fair, much less have any crops exhibits ready to enter.  Unfortunately, the week of County Fair is also the same week as 4-H State Conference and FFA State Convention so many of our county’s youth (along with our 4-H Agent and Ag Teacher) will be out of town.  Also, our youth participating in the livestock shows will not have their market animals ready to show by then either. 

The Cooperative Extension Service completely understands the reasons behind the change of dates and supports those changes.  However, it is unfortunate that agriculture projects will not be ready in time for the County Fair and that there are so many other scheduling conflicts.  Therefore, several supporters of 4-H, FFA and Agriculture are going to hold an “Ag Festival” July 18^th and 19^th.  This event is not intended to replace the County Fair.  We are simply trying to accommodate those that have garden, floral, crop and livestock projects, as well as celebrate our County’s deep roots in the Agriculture Industry.

McLean County Extension will still have a strong presence at this year’s county fair.  4-H will be holding a Bar-B-Que Chicken Cooking Contest and Cup Cake Wars (decorating) Contest.  Ag will be sponsoring a Lawn Tractor Driving Contest.  Family and Consumer Science will continue to have their Open Home Exhibits at the Extension Office.  The Friday evening of fair, Extension will be holding their Extension Birthday Party: Celebrating 100 years of Extension.  We will also have the 4-H building open all week as a “hospitality room” for fair goers with several Extension displays throughout, celebrating our 100 years of service.

There will be a planning meeting for the “Ag Festival” on Sunday, March 30^th at 3pm at the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office.  If you would like to be a part of the event or learn more about it, please feel free to attend.  It is open to the public.