Whether they show livestock with National FFA Organization or 4-H, or simply enjoy the rides and funnel cakes, kids play various roles at the State Fair of West Virginia - but several played a more unique part this year.
For six West Virginia students, the state fair was a chance to act as honorary commissioner of agriculture for a day.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture sponsored the contest with the theme "Local Food: Why it Matters." Each student entered an essay, video or photo presentation explaining how local food affects the state's economy, environment and health.
"We wanted to provide a firsthand experience for students across the state to see what careers in agriculture look like. No better way to do that than to shadow my staff and myself during one of our busiest times of the year," said West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. "We hope these students take away a new appreciation for our food system after this experience."
On six separate days, each of the students followed Leonhardt around the fair. They learned how state veterinarians check animals to be shown, attended livestock auctions, met with conservation districts and had interviews with press.
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The 2017 Honorary Commissioners of Agriculture for a Day contest were:
Sophie is in the eighth grade at Hurricane Middle School. She grows her own vegetables, flowers and aloe, and she wrote that she wanted to be commissioner for a day "to show that students with Down syndrome can do great things."
Maeva puts in work a few days a week at Rainelle Elementary's high tunnel and has spent her summer working at farmers markets. She also has her own greenhouse to extend the planting season.
"Locally grown food matters because it builds the community and supports a clean environment," Maeva said in her application.
Elizabeth is a student at Petersburg High, in Grant County, and a member of the FFA. She shows livestock at the Grant County Fair. She said she sees a lot of potential in West Virginia's agriculture industry.
"I plan to run and become the first female agriculture commissioner of West Virginia," Elizabeth said.
Emily is a sophomore at East Hardy High and lives on a farm where she raises bulls, heifers, pigs, sheep and goats She also grows her own produce. Emily shows and sells goats through the state fair.
"To me, it was really about a learning experience to see what I can change in ag and to see what others can change," Emily said after her experience. "What really stood out to me is how many people you can affect."
Julianna is a student at Braxton County High. She learned about farming by working on her grandfather's 300-acre farm and has participated in the 4-H heifer project and showed her registered Limousin heifer at Junior Nationals.
Devin is a student at Weir High, in Hancock County. He has grown up on two family farms and grows beans, tomatoes and peppers in his personal garden.
"Local food provides good, sustainable jobs for many members of the community," Devin said.
His favorite part of life on the farm is tractors, and he has been researching them since he was little.