Warrick Co. 4-H Raising Funds for a New Livestock Barn

Warrick County Fair Is Investing in the Next Generation

It's fair week in Warrick County, and the fairgrounds have been packed from sunup to late into the night. Generations gather for rides, fun, laughter, and entertainment. But the heart of the county fair has always been the animals and projects.

Family Farms Need the Next Generation

Working with farm animals is one of the most important jobs there is, but it's becoming a dying occupation. It's hard work with long hours. It's mentally and physically exhausting, and there always seems to be something working against you. Just look at the screwworm making its way back toward the United States. It's becoming almost impossible for small family farms to survive, and many eventually sell out to larger operations.

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Warrick County Kids Are Keeping Agriculture Alive

But here in Warrick County, the community is investing in the future.

Kids from all over the county come to show the cows, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, poultry, horses, dogs, and even cats they've raised and trained throughout the year. My own daughter showed her horse on Tuesday and is now hard at work helping all of her friends get their animals ready for their shows. She told me she's shaving sheep today. Sounds terrible to me, but she loves it!

For generations, the Warrick County Fairgrounds have been where young people learn responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship, and the value of hard work through 4-H, FFA, and agricultural education. Now it's our turn to pay it forward to future generations.

Warrick 4H Fairgrounds via Facebook LA+D

A New Livestock Facility for Future Generations

Currently, 4-Hers show their livestock in a barn that was built in the 1960s. It has served the community well, but the 4-H program has outgrown the space, and it's time for an upgrade. Instead of putting band-aids on problems and trying to add on to an outdated area, they have decided to raise funds to build a new Multi-Species Livestock facility.

Adjacent to the horse barn that was built in 2016 after a macro burst blew down the old horse barn, the new Multi-Species Livestock Facility will be an open-air barn that will provide a safe space for livestock to stay during educational events like the fair while giving local 4-H and FFA members even more opportunities to learn and grow.

The space will also be used for livestock clinics, educational workshops, leadership development, and other agricultural programs throughout the year. It will also serve as a year-round facility for community events and educational activities, making it an investment that will benefit Warrick County for decades.

According to the Barn Raising Committee, it's not just a barn. It's a classroom. It's a place where confidence grows, lifelong friendships are made, and tomorrow's farmers, veterinarians, educators, business owners, and community leaders begin their journey.

How You Can Help Build the Future

The 4-H has set a fundraising goal of $850,000 and has already raised more than $500,000. They're encouraging everyone to give, even if it's just $10 or $25.

"Every donation, large or small, helps build a lasting legacy for the youth of Warrick County."

Checks can be made payable to:

Warrick County 4-H Clubs Inc.
PO Box 806
Boonville, IN 47601

Or donate online at warrickbarnraising.com.