BROKEN BOW–Less than two months away from the Custer County Fair (July 29-August 4) and the Custer County Ag Society/Fair Board is continuing through a busy summer season. The board held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, June 9.
The resignation letter from Ira Spanel was approved and the board heard from Dr. McKenzie Beals and Ashley Garrelts who both gave a brief speech expressing their interest to serve on the Ag Society.
Dr. Beals works as a local veterinarian, has experience in 4-H, and said she wants to serve the community and cultivate an interest in agriculture for kids. Ashley Garrelts works for the Sandhills Task Force and is originally from Wyoming. She has experience with 4-H, working for an extension office, and wants to get more involved in the community.
The board went into executive session to discuss the candidates and the board appointed Ashley Garrelts to serve on the Ag Society. President Kent Nelson encouraged Dr. Beals to stay involved and come back in November for the Ag Society general election.
Troy Walz presented the Extension Office report saying 140 youth attended the livestock quality assurance training last week. Walz said it is an important course for youth to learn to become advocates of agriculture.
“Steve White from NTV came up, he was one of the rotations to talk to the kids about how to be advocates for agriculture and how to be able to talk about their animals when they’re at county fair or wherever they are at,” Walz said.
NTV’s Steve White was at the event and Tweeted, “Every young person who brings livestock is required to take a course that covers animal well-being with a focus on understanding these animals are being raised for consumers to enjoy.”
Also during Thursday’s meeting, Grounds Manager JJ Martin said he and his staff have been busy with fairgrounds events and post-event cleanup. A motion was approved for Martin to purchase more crushed concrete to be put in a few select places.
Fairgrounds Administrator Michelle Nelson said recent event producers have expressed positive feedback about the fairgrounds. A few concerns brought up included issues with speakers and more outlets in the stall barn. Some poison hemlock needs to be removed near the wash racks and the board agreed to allow board members and a plus one to receive tickets to the concert on Saturday, July 30 as appreciation for their help during the concert and fair.
The board approved a motion to increase the price of wood shavings to $10 per bag at the fairgrounds.
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Click here to see the June 2 story regarding the Custer County Fairgrounds.
