MERCED – Beneath the scorching Merced sun, a different kind of dedication was on full display at the annual Merced County Fair. While thrill-seekers chased adrenaline on carnival rides and fairgoers savored delicious treats, a dedicated community of 4-H and FFA members, alongside their unwavering families, lived and breathed the spirit of agricultural showmanship. For these young individuals, the fairgrounds transform into a week-long testament to hard work, passion, and the undeniable bond between youth and their animals.
The air buzzed with anticipation and the gentle bleating of livestock as I observed the Heifer showings. Among the many aspiring young showmen, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kacie Taylor, a spirited Westside 4-H member, about her journey into the world of agricultural showing. When asked what initially drew her to 4-H, Kacie's eyes lit up. "It looked fun and I wanted to try it," she shared. Her enthusiasm was palpable, and I pressed further, inquiring what compelled her to continue after her first experience. "I figured out it was easy and fun," she replied with a simple yet profound honesty. Her ultimate joy, she revealed, lay in "Showing my heifer, Lollipop." It was clear that for Kacie, the connection with her animal was at the heart of her dedication. Kacie placed second in her class with her yearling Hereford heifer KD Lollipop. To finish it off Kacie placed second in junior showmanship and sixth in senior showmanship. She is excited to work towards her MMCA replacement heifer for next year’s fair.
Moving from the majestic heifers, we ventured to the sheep, pigs, lambs and finally, the goats, where I encountered Avery Ethridge, a remarkable young man with his award-winning goat. Avery's journey in FFA began early. "I started 4-H 5th grade," he recounted, highlighting a deep-rooted connection to the agricultural world. When asked what continues to fuel his passion, Avery's response resonated with generational pride: "I like doing it because I grew up around it, it’s in my blood."
His ambition extends beyond the show ring. When questioned about a potential career in agriculture after high school, Avery thoughtfully replied, "I plan on making it a career if I do good in the next three years." His commitment was evident in his impressive list of accolades from the Merced County Fair: "I won 1st in class Market, 3rd overall, Showmanship freshman, [and] Advanced final drive I got 4th overall." These achievements are a clear testament to his dedication and skill.
To aspiring FFA members, Avery offered invaluable advice, tempered with wisdom beyond his years: "Coming in FFA is hard work but it really pays off if you do the work but if you don’t do the work it won’t pay off as much as you want it to." It’s a powerful message, underscoring the direct correlation between effort and reward in this demanding yet fulfilling pursuit.
Indeed, these young members and their families endure a week under the blazing Merced sun, not for fame or fortune, but for the sheer love of what they do. The dedication exhibited by 4-H and FFA members, and the unwavering support from their parents, is truly inspiring. It's clear that the Merced County Fair is more than just a venue for rides, games, or delicious food; it stands as the premier stage for these deserving 4-H and FFA kids to showcase their talent, their animals, and the profound results of their unwavering commitment.
