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MARYVILLE

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July 11, 2025 |  By: Gavin McGough

In the livestock barn at Nodaway County Fair

Nodaway Livestock Barn

The Nodaway County Fair is upon us. KXCV’s Gavin McGough made it out to the livestock barn yesterday, and has this report:

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 At the heart of the fair is the agricultural tradition and the livestock competitions, which bring out farmers and their animals from across the region for a show in sale. This morning, forage youth have already shown poultry and sheep. Now as the sun builds heat in the mid-morning sky, cattle are taking over the sawdust ring, out here at the Livestock Building.

Black Angus yearlings stout and proud, are coached by their youth handlers. The judge appraises animals for posture, footing, girth, and form. Most families have a long tradition of being here today.

"We have been showing livestock since 1969 actually, the Blackford started showing." That's Theresa Blackford of Maryville.

"The youth here are very excited to be here to show today, and it's a family event. It's something that it takes mom and dad and grandma and grandpa, anyone and everyone to help put on a show.", says Blackford. 

Four generations of Blackfords are in attendance to be exact. The day is about education.

Theresa says, "You know, we are trying to grow food for our people in our country, and these youth need to know where it comes from. And this is good for the city too, the town to come out and to see how we do things. And it takes a whole summer and through the winter to actually take care of 'em, to get 'em to this show."

Today many fine animals can be seen well handled by young men and women. Jane Vest comes out each year to see old friends and to appreciate their work.

Vest says, "I think these are beautiful animals, probably the most beautiful animals that we have. Uh, so I just really enjoy being here and seeing the kids show them. I think that's, that's really exciting to see the next generation bringing 'em up and being interested in cattle."

As cattle wraps up, the show goes on. Next is dairy. Featuring a whole new slate of competitors.

McGough asks, "All right. What's your name? Where are you from? What's your 4H club?"

"Emily Langford. I'm from Barnard. Uh, busy Bee, four H, busy Bee.", responds Langford.

"Cool. Yeah. What's the name of your cow here?", asks McGough.

"Hershey. She's a brown, Swiss Holstein. She was born in Marge, 2023.", answers Langford.

The area's agricultural heritage runs deep. Steve Espy ranches, cattle outside Merrillville. Over the decades, he's seen incredible change. He says Some cattle businesses are evaporating disappearing.

"More people going to row crop, and the ones that are stuck it out, I think it's gonna be the winners. The youth brings the enthusiasm back to the town. Uh, it just all goes together, I think.", informs Espy. 

Find the full list of fair events at NOdcofair.org