At the Lawrence County Commissioner’s meeting on Thursday, a motion was brought forward and carried stating that the board of commissioners would become the fiscal agent for the financing and financial oversight of the construction of a new livestock barn and arena for the Lawrence County Fair.

This was in response to the request made by the Lawrence County Agricultural Society (fair board) that we help facilitate a $400,000 loan to be repaid over 10 years.

The repayment is the sole responsibility of the fair board and those who have made monetary pledges.

The county commission has entered into this partnership to decrease the interest rate of the loan. The savings will be nearly $14,000.

Aside from the financial bearing, this action provides the fair board with a stamp of approval from local government.

I believe this project is a positive step for the betterment of our county.

A new barn and arena, tentatively set at 60’ X 300’, will give the fair grounds a much needed modern update and the space to accommodate all the interests of our 550 4-H children.

The 32 4-H clubs and over 125 adult volunteers have created the momentum with their hard work and recent investment in the grounds.

As a commissioner and a farmer, I am extremely proud of the impact this effort has on our youth throughout the county.

Agriculture remains Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $93 billion to the state’s economic growth and employs one-in-seven Ohioan’s.

There are 1,470,000 head of cattle, 2,000,000 hogs and 115,000 sheep in our state. Ohio’s 265,000 dairy cows produce 600 million gallons of milk, annually.

Our county fair gives our youth a hands on approach to responsibility, commitment, valuation of money and teaches them to develop a strong work ethic.

The fair board should be commended for continuing to provide our children with these opportunities.

Replacing the 50+ year old structures is a step forward and will help shape a positive outlook on life for these young 4-Her’s.

I am excited to be a partner and very much look forward to another excellent fair in 2012.

Bill Pratt is a family farmer and Lawrence County Commissioner.