Hardin Co. Farm Bureau Partners with local FFA to support Livestock Exhibitors!

The Hardin County Farm Bureau has set a goal to give out over 500 t-shirts to the youth livestock exhibitors at the Hardin County Fair. 

The Hardin County Farm Bureau chose to start this t-shirt project because we recognized how important our 4-H & FFA projects were, when we were children.  They helped us develop responsibility, allowed us to gain self-confidence, leadership, and develop an understanding of where our food came from. 

We recognize the value of Agriculture in our everyday lives and are proud to know it is Ohio’s Number One Industry, bringing in over 98 billion dollars to Ohio’s economy every year!

This year the Hardin County Farm Bureau partnered with local FFA members to carry out the project.  Kelsey Erwin & Kirsten Osborne worked on the project to further their Ag Communications Skills. 

Their responsibilities included contacting & confirming 10 sponsors, developing the projected t-shirt design idea, proofing the t-shirt design created by Sport-tees, proofing sponsorship design, & organizing the t-shirt hand-out! Neither FFA member has exhibited livestock at the county fair, but thought the opportunity to speak and work with people in our community to support those who do, would be a great experience! Kelsey & Kirsten said “We love to see that the community wants to be involved in our youth programs and help the next generation grow,” when asked about the project. 

“The FFA members have worked hard to facilitate this year’s t-shirt project, it has been great to see the excitement these students have had as they see an opportunity to congratulate their peers for their efforts,” said Shelby Brammell, Hardin County Farm Bureau Member & Project Chair.  

This is the third year for the project, community members/sponsors have paid nearly $9,000.00, sponsoring nearly 1,800 t-shirts, over the three years, to show young livestock growers that their investments have been valuable.

A special thank you goes to this year’s sponsors including Ace Hardware, Ag Credit, Local FFA Chapters, Golden Giant, Hardin Co. Farm Bureau, Hensel Ready Mix, Home Savings & Loan, Kenton Dental Care, Rogers Nationwide Ins., & Wilson Tire!  “Their sponsorship truly does make this project possible, thank you” said Brammell.  Any 4-H or FFA member showing cattle, swine, poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, & equine will be receiving t-shirts, on Monday, in the show arena, at the Hardin County Fair, from 9 am to 4 pm.  Please encourage anyone you know, exhibiting livestock, to pick up their free t-shirts on Monday; exhibitors may pick up shirts at farm bureau booth later in the week. 

However, it is a first come first serve basis, so fewer sizes may be available later in the day or week.  Any extra t-shirts will be given to other livestock supporters throughout our community.