SAE Visit: Troy Fair

For some people, summertime is most closely associated with one special event … you got that right it’s time for the fair! The 2015 Troy Fair was held July 27^th to August 1^st, and this year marked the 140^th anniversary. I was able to attend the fair with my cooperating teacher, Mr. Steinfelt, as part of an SAE visit. While many people may think that the fair is the start of an SAE animal project… this is far from the truth. Countless time, energy, finances, talent, and training is put into these students projects well before the fair. So, let’s start from the beginning.

Monday July 27^th was the FFA and 4-H Beef show and Pig show at the fair. While the students were preparing their animals for the ring, Mr. Steinfelt and I discussed what previous SAE visits might have looked like. I spent the most time with brothers Austin (rising senior) and Nate (rising sophomore). They were both showing market steers at the fair. The brothers kept their animals at a neighboring farm, and thus had to routinely go over to work with the animals and complete their chores. Mr. Steinfelt said that when visiting the brothers’ animals, he checked them for health and fitness, would measure the weight with a tape, and examine the feed. He also looks at the housing and environment for the animals. Then he would ask the students questions about their animals, such as routine husbandry, feed, etc. In the case that the animals are held on another property, he asks the farmer/landowner questions about the agreement, and if there are any issues. Then, the visit normally turns to advice for any upcoming event (such as the FAIR!) and if there are any goals (such as weight, etc.) The brothers were in the same weight class, so there was definitely some healthy competition growing there! Athens students Colin and Matt also showed steer at the fair. 

Nate and Austin with their animals.

The Athens FFA sign hanging above the steers. 

 There were no active FFA members showing hogs this year, however, I got the chance to sit and watch the show, which was very helpful because I have never showed pigs before. There also was an excellent showmanship judge who did a great job explaining what students were doing well, and ways to improve. I feel much more confident that I could help a student with pig showmanship now!

Swine Showmanship

Mr. Steinfelt and his sons watching the swine show. 

Tuesday July 28^th was the FFA and 4-H Dairy Show. This is a ring that I am much more familiar with and comfortable in. But… I guess I shouldn’t have spoken up because I quickly became one of the show ring personnel (also known as manure extraction specialist, or as the students affectionately named me, “pooper scooper”). This position allowed me to be closer to the students in the ring, and I was happy to be able to throw out some advice, and help kids with unruly animals (there certainly were a few). Mr. Steinfelt just laughed when he saw my assignment, but then summed it up by saying that ag teachers really do get involved in every part of the fair.

 Kelsi and Alexandra both showed dairy cows this summer at the fair. Getting the cows, heifers and calves all prepared for the ring makes for a very busy day, and I therefore was not able to spend as much time with the girls before the show (plus, the cows were keeping me pretty busy in the show ring). However, it was definitely nice to be able to smile and encourage them while they were in the ring showing. While I was helping with the color breeds with Mrs. Steinfelt and Mr. Schanbacher (Troy FFA Advisor), Mr. Steinfelt helped with the Holstein ring. It was a great show with a lot of 4-H participants. Both judges were incredibly detailed in their class justifications, which helped me understand the placings. From the side of the ring, I was also able to hear their advice for students regarding showmanship, which was very helpful. 

One of the dairy judges explaining her placings to the students showing. 

Students lining up their Brown Swiss animals for best of breed. 

After the shows, Mr. Steinfelt definitely congratulated the students, and told them what they did well and if there were any areas of improvement. He also stressed to the students that they were representing Athens FFA, and needed to keep their stalls and animals clean for the duration of the fair, even though their respective shows were done. 

Athens FFA display board.

!40th Troy Fair! Smile for the camera!

At the fair, I was also able to interact with some other FFA members from Athens. They showed me the Athens FFA display on the fairgrounds, and we talked about what classes they are taking next year etc. It was a great experience, and although not the typical SAE visit, it was exciting to see the finished products. The market sale was the next day, on Wednesday, which unfortunately I was unable to attend. However, Mr. Steinfelt happily reported that the students got between $1.70 and $3.50/lb for their steers, with an average of about $2.20. Seeing the excitement, pride, and energy from these students and their animals makes me even more excited to be a part of the entire SAE project process in the future.

 Special Note: Athens FFA uses AET to record their projects, and while I did not see their record at the fair, I was able to sit down with the students in the SAE/Leadership class last Spring when I visited the school. We looked at their journal entries, and talked about ways to manage finances on AET. I am excited to become even more knowledgeable with that program.  

Thanks for reading!

Best,

Sarabeth