Benton County Fair Booklet

By Karen Rice To keep up with growing demand for locally grown beef, the Benton County Fair will be offering a new program this year: The Pasture to Plate Market Beef Program. 4-H and FFA students ages 9-19 will have the opportunity to obtain a steer, keep records of growth and input costs, show the steer at the fair, have the steer harvested, and then sell the beef to the public. "This program is designed to not only help further our youth's education in agriculture but also educate the general public and consumer," said Wesley Evans, committee chairman. It's a long-term project for the kids that will take nearly a year to complete. But at the end we will be able to connect the consumers with locally grown beef from our youngsters." Participants will be working toward awards in four categories: highest average daily gain, record keeping, show ring presentation, and overall finish grade. The Benton County Fair will take place September 27 – October 1, 2022. During this time, any interested parties will be able to bid on the beef projects to purchase post-harvest. "The program will give youth the opportunity to learn cost of gain, break even, and ultimately, to prepare and sell a beef steer for harvest," Wesley continued. "Furthermore, businesses and community members will have an opportunity to purchase locally grown beef." The Benton County Farm Bureau Young Farmers And Ranchers Program is helping to sponsor the program. To stay up to date on purchasing beef from this program and to learn more about the youth involved and their projects, check out "Benton County Pasture to Plate" on Facebook. Educational program connects consumers with locally grown beef Pasture Plate: to 14 2022 Benton County Fair

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