Behind every project, competition, and county fair exhibit are months of early mornings, late nights, and families investing countless hours to help a young person grow. These experiences help shape future farmers, leaders, and community members.
But opportunities like these don’t happen on their own. They rely on dedicated volunteers, community partners, and financial support to continue year after year. As costs continue to rise, providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for young people becomes more challenging.
That’s why we partner with local youth agricultural programs to help ensure these opportunities remain available for the next generation.
Whether it’s a first-year stepping into the livestock show ring for the first time or a high school junior discovering a future career through competition, these experiences build confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to agriculture that lasts long after they leave the programs.
To help keep those opportunities available, we supported eight county fairs across our service area this year through financial donations that help youth agricultural programs continue to thrive.
This year’s donations supported the following county fairs:
- Renville County Fair
- McLeod County Fair
- Sibley County Fair
- Brown County Fair
- Watonwan County Fair
- Nicollet County Fair
- Carver County Fair
- Le Sueur County Fair
Supporting local youth agricultural programs throughout the year allows students to explore careers in agriculture, develop leadership skills, and gain real-world experience both inside and outside the classroom.
Together, these programs give young people the chance to discover new interests, build lasting connections, and develop skills that will serve them wherever life takes them. Whether they choose a career in agriculture or another path, the lessons they learn through these programs stay with them long after fair season ends.
Every fair project completed, leadership contest entered, and a young person who discovers a passion for agriculture helps strengthen the future of our rural communities. We’re proud to stand alongside the families, volunteers, educators, and local organizations who make those opportunities possible, and we’re honored to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders.