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New barn beefs up farm show grounds

‘Holy cow!’
Mason Henry shows off the 1,405-pound Grand Champion beef winner at the 2023 Junior Livestock auction Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at the Butler Farm Show. Steven Dalton/Special to the Eagle

The Butler Farm Show board had wanted to build a beef barn for at least 15 years, according to beef barn committee chairman Jim Govan.

This year, it’s finally open. Construction began in early spring and finished just in time for the summer show.

“It’s a beautiful building,” board president Ken Laughlin said.

He claimed the motive behind the new barn is to “do away” with tents, as as over $20,000 goes toward renting them each year.

“It’s a real nice addition to the farm show grounds that will make it a lot more comfortable for our exhibitors,” Laughlin said.

Govan explained that exhibiting is safer in a barn than a tent, as severe weather is less of a concern. One year, a tent was lifted almost 10 feet in the air and almost knocked down, he said.

The new "beef barn" under construction at the Butler Farm Show grounds in April 2025. Submitted photo
The new "beef barn" under construction at the Butler Farm Show grounds. Submitted photo

Exhibitor and junior board member David Schultheis also spoke of safety concerns with tents. He said long extension cords were needed for fans to keep the cows cool, which could lead to circuit breakage or even a power outage.

Schultheis, who has been exhibiting cows since grade school, said the new barn will allow for all the cows to be in one place. This makes it easier to care for the animals and keep their areas clean.

It will also provide more shade and a cross-breeze, further improving conditions, he said. He also said a barn is much more secure and sturdy than a tent.

“I think this is a really awesome step in keeping the beef exhibitors coming to the farm show,” he said. “I’m really happy to see it finally come to life.”

The new building can also be used for off-season rentals and generate revenue for the organization, according to Laughlin.

Alyssa Simmons walks her cow, Clover, which she will be selling at the Butler Farm Show Auction, at a farm in Clearfield Township. Eddie Trizzino/Butler Eagle

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