2021 has been called the year of change and for Knox County Farm Bureau, 2021 has been the year to jump in and be a part of that change.

Earlier in the year, Knox County Farm Bureau President Sam Fawcett, who is also a 4-H advisor, found himself in a conversation with the 4-H Extension staff about changes coming to the 2021 Knox County Fair. He immediately asked, “What can we do to help?” and was told about the remodel project of the Junior Fair booth building.

Knox County Junior Leaders then were invited to the next Knox County Farm Bureau board of trustees meeting to pitch their idea. Their vision of a community- centered area with games, displays, a phone charging station and in general a place for fair exhibitors to hang out between shows was well received by the Farm Bureau board and a commitment to the future was made.

On Saturday, June 24, 2021, the contribution was made official with a check for $5,000 presented to the Knox County Junior Leaders to fulfill their vision in 2021 and into the future. 

“We’re helping to support and recognize future generations of those that care to step up and do something for the betterment of the world around them. Agriculture and more importantly Knox County in general will certainly benefit from lending a hand to their efforts,” Fawcett said.

In addition to supporting the Junior Leaders, Knox County Farm Bureau in partnership with Kari Ball Nationwide Agency with help from Farm Credit Mid- America and The Ruckman Group provided a free T-shirt to all 4-H and FFA members. These bright yellow shirts stating “I believe in the future of agriculture” are already being seen all around the fairgrounds and throughout the community.

The Knox County Fair runs through July 31 in Mount Vernon and will feature the livestock auction on Thursday, July 29.

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