The first ever Patrick County Farm Bureau Ag Expo will be held at Rotary Field on April 29 starting at 9 a.m. The Ag Expo is sponsored by the Patrick County Farm Bureau, Virginia Tech Extension, Stuart Rotary and the Patrick County Tourism Advisory Council.
The public is invited to come enjoy the competition. In the animal barn and under the show tent, area youth ages 10 to 18 will display and show cattle, meat goats, sheep and poultry. Winners will receive ribbons.
Those at the expo can browse displays set up by agriculture-related businesses and organizations, which include the above sponsors plus the Patrick County Soil and Water Conservation Service and the Cattlemen’s Association.
Food will be available on-site for purchase from the Cattleman’s Association.
Sandra Puckett, TAC director, said TAC voted to sponsor the event because it will draw people to Patrick County. “We want to stimulate the economic development here, and bring more people here. Where there are youngsters, there are always people. It’s a good program and a great event.”
Anna Lester, Rotary president, said Rotary members will be on-hand at the event to help in any capacity needed.
“The past three years have brought back livestock shows to the fair, and it has been such an exciting feature to me,” Lester said. “I love the life lessons the kids are taking away. They’re learning so much responsibility. I can’t wait for this expo because they are so inspiring.”
Expo organizers are still accepting exhibitors. For more information, call Wayne Kirkpatrick at (540) 570-3511 or email wynbtyk@embarqmail.com.
- Angela H. Hill
