SAE Visit: Union County West End Fair Livestock Weigh-in

On August 1st I had the privilege to travel to the Union County West End Fair and aid Mr. Chuck Kessler in weighing all 4-H and FFA market animals. My cooperating teacher Mr. Kessler is an agriculture educator at Mifflinburg Area High School along with Ms. Lindsey Spurrier. I was surprised to see so many livestock exhibits and youth exhibitors at such a small county fair. Mifflinburg knows what they are doing when it comes to getting kids in the show ring!

Mr. Kessler pictured recording weights for market lambs.

It was very nice to finally start meeting some of the students, parents, educators, and other community members. The small tight-knit community of Mifflinburg seems to be filled with respect for each other. I feel more than welcome and can’t wait for my short stay.

It’s easy to see how Mr. Kessler has been so successful as an educator, when you see him working with the students. He brings a sense of strength and doing by the book t

o the Mifflinburg ag program. Both he and the students love to joke around and enjoy themselves as well. I  got to talk with Mr. Kessler’s wife. Nobody knows the schedule of a high school ag educator better than her. She explained how dedicated Mr. Kessler has been throughout his years of teaching. After we wrapped up weigh in and the afternoon livestock meeting, we headed to the high school to make classes for each species show and all the handouts needed for the shows. This process took us late into the night, but in the end everything was complete and the shows ran smooth. It takes a special kind of person to be a great agriculture educator. You must take pride in your work, celebrate the little victories, and always keep the students first.

Students weighing in their dairy beef project animals.