Monroe County Fair in Iowa has been awarded a $2,000 grant from Farm Credit Services of America's Working Here Fund. The grant will be used to purchase new pens for the fair's sheep and goat barns, accommodating the increasing number of young exhibitors.
Having previously borrowed pens, this grant allows the fair to have its own, making setup and teardown more convenient. A local fabricating specialist has been enlisted for the project, supporting the fair board's commitment to local businesses.
In addition to enhancing the fair experience, the new pens will serve as a platform for young exhibitors to demonstrate their talents and further their learning through participation in livestock competitions.
The project is scheduled to start in late Spring 2023 and run throughout the summer. Angela Wilson, Monroe County Fairboard Secretary/Treasurer, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the board's focus on supporting the local community and offering youth opportunities to develop their skills through livestock competitions.
Adam Pirkl, FCSAmerica's regional vice president of retail operations in Oskaloosa, emphasized their dedication to supporting the education of future agricultural producers. The grant received by the Monroe County Fair is one of 73 grants awarded by FCSAmerica's Working Here Fund in the first quarter of 2023, totaling $131,825.
The Monroe County Fair Board aims to provide adequate grounds, facilities, and funding for local youth to exhibit and compete in various livestock and non-livestock projects during the fair, ensuring a valuable educational experience for participants.
Farm Credit Services of America, a customer-owned financial cooperative, proudly supports the growth of rural America, with a specific focus on the needs of young and beginning producers. With assets totaling $41 billion and members' equity of $7.2 billion, FCSAmerica is a leading provider of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Photo Credit: Monroe County Fair
Categories: Iowa, Livestock, Goats & Sheep