Yesterday was our County Fair's Livestock show. This was the first year our daughter was eligible to show hogs. It was an exciting day not only for Rachelle, but also for our son Conner (he was her official "gopher"). Adding to the excitement for the kids was their dad taking the entire day away from the farm to be with them at the fair.

Their day started with the hogs getting a bath, I think the kids were probably just as wet as the hogs. When they arrived at the fair, there were 59 hogs to be shown. Rachelle was intimidated to say the least. We got her hogs weighed in and settled in their pen. Rachelle took great pride in keeping her hogs cool, comfortable and well groomed. The kids stayed with the hogs all day, never leaving their side unless absolutely necessary. And if they did leave, they had a friend watch their hogs while they were gone. Of course they re-paid the favor several times by watching other kids' hogs too.

It was inspiring watching these kids help each other out. If one kid was doing something the hard way, it was nothing for a more expierenced kid or parent to step up and show the younger kids an easier way. These kids were working hard and loving every minute of it but they were also looking out for each other.

As I looked around the livestock barn it was encouraging to see so many young kids working together towards a goal. It reminded me once again how important it is to stick together and work as a team in agriculture. It was an important day for our kids, but I think it was also an important reminder for all the adults that we need to always stand UNITED in agriculture.