A good show: Youth livestock handlers are some of county's future leaders

It is not just that they represent a rather important, and very large, part of the Wayne County economy.

Although that matters, too.

And it is not just that they work hard for months preparing their livestock exhibits to show a panel of judges that they not only can control the animals, but that they know their stuff, too.

The young men and women who took part in the annual Livestock Show and Sale -- and those who exhibit each year at the county fair -- are young people with futures.

The members of the county's youth livestock programs put more than a few hours into their livestock projects and learn a lot about the farming industry at the same time.

But more importantly, they learn the value of hard work, integrity, responsibility and the financial benefit that can come from doing a good job on a project. Many of those who sold animals at the sale this week are putting their money away for college -- a sign that there is much more to this program than just livestock production.

Agriculture is an important part of this community -- and some of these young people will likely be among its leaders in the future.

How nice to see some good news about young people -- and to see what can happen when students of all ages get the chance to shine and to learn something.

They should all be proud -- blue ribbon or not -- of what they have accomplished.

Published in Editorials on April 25, 2014 11:01 AM