Since its beginnings in the late 1940s in Meridian, supporting the future of agriculture in Butler County has been at the heart of the Butler Farm Show’s mission.

While the event, and the organization behind it, has helped countless young men and women interested in agriculture in the event’s 78 years; like everything the farm show does, it can’t do it without the support of the community.

Every child of a longtime farming family, 4-H or FFA member participating in the competitions and shows and every child that stops by to visit, even if they have no previous connection to the industry, represents a potential future career in or related to agriculture.

Whether a child’s interest is sparked by seeing other young people working with the animals, learning about the work that goes into cultivating the food that ends up on their plates or the science behind it all, or participating at the Farm Show firsthand, each and every child and young adult the event draws an interest from is worth encouraging as someone who might one day provide the food we eat, study the way it’s produced or provide direct support to those who do.

Everything the Butler Farm Show makes above and beyond just paying the bills gets put back into the event and grounds. Every cent reinvested provides more opportunities that children and young adults might experience that initial spark that leads to a future in agriculture.

And it depends on all of us.

So whether you go to enjoy the food, take a spin on the rides, see the live entertainment, browse the goods and auctions or watch the competitions, every dollar spent is an investment in the future of an industry that is essential to everyone’s life.

The Butler Farm Show runs through Saturday, Aug. 15. See the full schedule at butlerfarmshow.com/schedule.

— JP