The FCS Financial Rural Community and Agriculture Foundation recently granted $15,000 to the Montgomery County Fair Society to assist with construction of a new hog barn for 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors to use during the Montgomery County Fair.
The fair typically has 150 livestock exhibitors with nearly half of those being hogs. The hog barn was deteriorating to a point of becoming a danger to fairgoers and lacked adequate air movement that could cause stress for livestock during hot summer months. The new barn will be taller and have large fans to increase air flow. Other features include easier access to water, permanent fencing, storage area for exhibitor supplies and improved walkways for fairgoers to get through the barn to see the animals.
“We feel that teaching the youth about agriculture, raising animals and community support is a vital part of living in a rural area,” says Chasity Lichtenberg, Montgomery County Fair Board Secretary. “A new barn will not only create a better environment for the exhibitors and the animals, it will also allow for growth of the program.”
The building will also be used for 4-H and FFA educational programs throughout the year. In 2018, open and jackpot shows were added enabling youth from surrounding communities the opportunity to use the facility. The $126,000 barn is expected to be complete by July 2020 in time for this year’s Montgomery County Fair.
The FCS Financial Rural Community and Agriculture Foundation represents the cooperative’s long-term commitment to a thriving and prosperous agricultural industry and our rural communities. The Foundation focuses on targeted, long-term investments.
“Livestock shows and county fairs provide an educational opportunity for rural youth as they learn leadership and animal husbandry skills,” says David Janish, FCS Financial CEO. “The new barn at Montgomery County fairgrounds will provide a safe environment for all involved.”
Additional information and an application are available on our website. or email marketing@myfcsfinancial.com.
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