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It's a common feeling among farmers that our industry often gets treated poorly by the media. The good things about our business appear to be largely ignored.

One aspect of agriculture that deserves positive media coverage is the quality of our young people. And now is a perfect time for you to help reporters see that first hand. The county fair is a great opportunity to show off the youth of Ohio agriculture.

The following article by Michele Payn-Knoper spells out some of the characteristics displayed by our young people during the fair. Why not invite a local reporter to tour the barns with you and see for themselves why we're so proud of our industry and our young folks?

As a lifelong participant in fairs, I believe there are several lessons we all need to reflect upon:

• Pride: Teenagers with responsibility and a sense of ownership are inspiring; look no further than the 4-H and FFA members who have worked diligently on their projects. Whether cake decorating, photography or corn – it's obvious that it is still possible for young people to take a great deal of pride in their work.

• Perseverance: Watch a 10-year-old try to walk around with several hundred pounds of livestock on a halter – no further explanation needed!

• Work Ethic: With our daily news constantly highlighting violence in our society, we should be giving equal voice to the individuals who work hard to make their communities the fabric of their country – through events like the fair.

• Friendship: Young people developing bonds of friendship through helping each other prepare for a competition, competing against each other and then going back to play a game of cards together. If we could only do the same thing for world peace!

• Leadership: The essence of leadership can be found in the volunteers who invest hundreds of hours into a fair so that their community can continue to experience the tradition of a great family event. It's not for glory, recognition or to gain a position; it's simply for the love.

Fairs offer a great hands-on opportunity to educate the public about the food business. Why should you care? Look no further than the woman who grew up in a rural Indiana community and now goes by the name GoVeg.com. Perhaps if we in agriculture can use the fair to reach out to the public, we can educate people about our industry rather than creating another uninformed activist who speaks out against us.

For more from Michele Payn Knoper visit www.ofbf.org and click on "Featured Links."