Ag Day will shine a light on the agricultural portion of the expo March 7
A major component for the Lee County Southwest Florida Ag Expo continues to be for the youth.
Ag Day will shine a light on the agricultural portion of the expo on Saturday, March 7. The doors open at 11 a.m. for the market animal auction, the livestock auction.
Lainey Fisher said the market animal barns are a one-of-a-kind place, as every participant has spent the last four months working with and taking care of their animal.
“Everyone is very supportive and just wants to see each other succeed,” she said. “The Market Animal Barn teaches youth the importance of respect of the animal’s life that it has given for our nutrition. These animals are raised with the purpose of going to market. The youth’s goal is to raise a healthy, nutrition animal by giving it the best life possible.”
Fisher became involved in 4-H after a friend invited her a show of pygmy goats at the local goat show when she was in sixth grade.
“After that, I was hooked and found the closest 4-H club, so I could show at the fair,” she said.
Fisher remained involved in 4-H for seven years where she was involved on the county, state and national level.
“I showed goats for all seven years and market swine for four while I was in high school,” she said.
The experience has taught her to be responsible, patient and a caring person.
“Everyone at the Ag Expo knows the work and dedication it takes to raise a market animal to the best of your ability,” Fisher said. “I will be forever grateful for the memories and lessons these animal projects have taught me that I take into the next chapter of my life.”
She encourages every kid to take the opportunity to raise an animal farm to table.
“It provides the understanding of where our food comes from and the sacrifices that have to be made to feed the nation,” Fisher said. “This is all done while making lifelong friends and learning life skills needed to be workforce ready.”
The annual Ag Expo coordinated by Lee County is full of wonderful events put on by many amazing volunteers for youth to learn valuable life skills.
“It is a place that kids create lifelong memories, meet new friends, and show of all the hard work they have accomplished,” Fisher said.
Those who cannot make it to the auction, but want to support the youth, they can make an “add-on donation” at swflagexpo.com.
Cheyenne Griffin became involved in 4-H 10 years ago and has been showing swine for nine years.
“My family has been a part of 4-H and the Lee County Fair since 1983. So, getting involved in showing swine was a no brainer and I enjoyed every second of it,” she said.
The experience of showing swine taught her how to care for something other than herself, as well as being financially responsible and business savvy.
“My experience in the market animal barn has always been a welcoming and helpful atmosphere,” Griffin said, as volunteers and exhibitors help one another.
In addition, the barn has also taught her how to pay her experiences forward.
“It has also taught me the importance of good sportsmanship,” Griffin said. “Individuals should try to exhibit in the market animal barn because it will bring you great friendships and experiences that you can bring into the real world.”
She continues to find ways to stay involved in 4-H after recently graduating.
“I have volunteered in the market swine barn to help the next generation of 4-Hers have as much fun at the fair as I did,”she said “4-H and the fair has always been something that once you get involved in you never want to leave. I am so grateful that the Southwest Florida Ag Expo has many ways for people to get involved.”