The Buchanan County Fairgrounds hosted its inaugural Barn and Beyond Showcase from July 18-20, giving youth from surrounding counties an opportunity to gain hands-on experience exhibiting livestock.
The multiday event welcomed young exhibitors showing poultry, swine, sheep and cattle while providing a chance to build confidence and develop agricultural skills.
Barn and Beyond Committee President Clay Sloan said the showcase helps prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.
"They're growing themselves as young adults," Sloan said. "Agriculture is important, and we're developing agriculturalists of the future at this event."
In addition to caring for and exhibiting livestock, participants competed in live showmanship contests for awards. Judges evaluated not only the animals but also the exhibitors' presentation skills, including eye contact, confidence and control of the animal.
Swine showmanship judge John Menefee, a Kansas agriculture teacher, said those competitions teach skills that extend beyond the show ring.
"The opportunity to come out in a show ring and show livestock is critical," Menefee said. "If we can get them involved in the industry and give them real-world experience caring for an animal and then recognize that hard work, that's an incredibly valuable experience."
The showcase also highlighted the recently renovated Buchanan County Fairgrounds, which opened its facilities to visitors throughout the weekend.
Buchanan County Facilities Director Cheri Morton said livestock events are designed to strengthen community connections.
"It's part of the design in 4-H and livestock shows that you meet your neighbors who share similar philosophies," Morton said. "Friendships are made here with youth, parents and grandparents, so it's very cool to see it taking place."
Additional events are planned at the renovated fairgrounds, including the Buchanan County Fair later in August.
More information is available through Buchanan County.