The Butler Eagle considers it a great honor to be able to award the Eagle Bowl to the Butler Farm Show family who has embraced this tradition of friendly — but serious — competition and their willingness — and that of all the families participating — to share what is such an important part of their lives with farm show visitors.

The bowl recognizes their talent, leadership, sportsmanship and volunteer efforts. We celebrate and congratulate this year’s winners: the Jeff Ansell family of Renfrew.

There are just over 900 farms in Butler County on more than 132,000 acres, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Agriculture is a vital part of our county economy; it’s woven deeply into our past, essential to our present and critical to our future.

It is important to share that love of the land and animals with others — to connect with them. The farm show is the perfect place for spectators to learn about farming and the people who dedicate their time and talents to feed our community.

Those attending the farm show can see the pride of farm family youth as they demonstrate their showmanship skills while walking their sheep or cattle around the ring or their joy while trying to lead costumed alpacas or goats over an obstacle course. The support of family and friends during competitions rivals any sporting event.

The Butler Eagle has showcased the farm show and farm families from its inception following a plowing contest in 1947. The farm show was incorporated in 1948.

A Page 1 headline on Aug. 23, 1949, announced 26 farmers planned to compete in the first farm show’s tractor handling contest. In 1952, the Butler Eagle awarded the first Eagle Bowl to the Walter Henricks family.

This year, six families participated in the competition for the Eagle Bowl. And we salute them all for their hard work and passion.

And we want to thank them for letting us tell their stories for 77 years and allowing the community to step for a moment into their world each August. See you next year at the Butler Farm Show.

— DJS