[August 06, 2012]    

With more than 90 animals and more than 40 kids participating, the Logan County Fair 4-H Beef Show was the largest 4-H livestock show at the fair this year. It was something that impressed judge Lee Stremsterfer, as he often commented on not only the quality of animals he was seeing but also the quality of kids he was finding at the Logan County Fair.

Stremsterfer is a cattle owner and shows at many open shows. He told the audience that the quality of animal he was seeing at the Logan County Fair was outstanding. He often commented during the show that an animal was one he would be proud to have in his own herd. 

Even so, as he spoke about the animals, he also spoke about the young people who are involved in raising livestock. He said that the number of young people willing to do the work involved in caring for and showing an animal was a testament to the work ethic of the young people of Logan County 4-H. He then noted that the kids were the true assets of the show, not necessarily the animals. "It's our kids that matter, " he said. "The animals come second."

As he went through the judging process, he clearly struggled in certain classes to choose the best of the best. At one point he told the audience, "This is one of the finest set of animals I've seen at a county fair in my entire life."

The 4-H program is funded by the state of Illinois through the University of Illinois Extension Service. At various times throughout the last few years, the importance of funding the program has been questioned by Gov. Pat Quinn and legislators. In Logan County, 4-H is a strong organization with approximately 20 active clubs and well over 300 kids participating. Whether it is a livestock show or gardening, art, floriculture, technology or any one of a dozen other special areas, what 4-H brings to kids is a strong work ethic and an appreciation of what it takes to compete in the world, not just for ribbons and trophies, but for placements in colleges and in the workforce.

Their 4-H achievements carry weight on college applications as well as job applications, as they demonstrate not only the work ethic and knowledge but also their ability to be leaders. Stremsterfer is a huge proponent of 4-H and told the audience that everyone should be. He commented: "Make your voice known; it (4-H) is worth it. We don't want to see it go away  because you didn't let your voice be known."

Pictures by Nila Smith