CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Four students, ranging in age from 11 to 15, will serve as Honorary Commissioners of Agriculture for the Day during the State Fair of West Virginia, August 9-18. This is the second year for the contest. Each student submitted a written or video essay on “The Future of Agriculture: Ideas for Feeding the World.”
“We have to inspire the next generation of farmers and producers,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “Allowing these young people to see myself and those who work at the department in action may spark a life-time of learning. This is a great example of do what you preach.”
The students will spend the day at the fair shadowing Commissioner Leonhardt and his staff, sit in on meetings and events, tour the fair grounds and learn about all the ways the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is involved in the fair. The students will also be featured in the September Market Bulletin.
Isabelle Hauser – Preston County
This 11-year-old is a student at Davis Thomas Elementary and Middle School. She is a 5th generation dairy farmer and also raises sheep on her family farm. She will be serving as Honorary Commissioner on Friday, August 10.
Jared Moles – Clay County
Jared, who is homeschooled, already knows a thing or two about farming. Not only does this 14-year-old raise and care for his own animals, he also helps out in the family garden. He will be serving as Honorary Commissioner on Sunday, August 12.
Laney Burns – Tucker County
Laney has lived on her family’s small farm her entire life. She is 11 years old and attends Tucker Valley Elementary and Middle School. She is already a member of 4-H and can’t wait to wear the blue FFA jacket. She will be serving as Honorary Commissioner on Monday, August 13.
Devin Price – Hancock County
This 15-year-old has a green thumb. The Weir High School student grows beans, sunflowers, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in his own garden. He will be serving as Honorary Commissioner on Saturday, August 18.
For more information about the Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture for a Day program, contact Crescent Gallagher at 304-558-3708or cgallagher@wvda.us.