The Kentucky State Fair announced Wednesday Farm Credit Mid-America as the presenting sponsor of the third annual Championship Drive. Held Aug. 26, the Championship Drive presented by Farm Credit Mid-America is the premiere youth livestock event during the Kentucky State Fair.
"We are dedicated to securing the future of rural communities and agriculture and there's no better way to do that than supporting young farmers who represent the future of agriculture in the Commonwealth," says Mark Barker, senior vice president of agricultural lending for the financial services cooperative. "We are proud to help shine a spotlight on these young men and women in 4-H and FFA through our support of the Championship Drive. Supporting agriculture events like this, especially in these unprecedented times, is an essential part of fulfilling our purpose."
The Championship Drive presented by Farm Credit Mid-America recognizes the best of the best from nearly 500 exhibitors and more than 1,100 entries. 4-H and FFA members work all year with the hopes of being crowned as a class winner. After shifting from the Sale of Champions to the Championship Drive in 2018, more students are able to showcase their market goats, sheep, swine and steers.
"The Championship Drive presented by Farm Credit Mid-America is a newly created event that highlights the best of Kentucky's youth and livestock. We appreciate Farm Credit Mid-America and with their support, we can further enhance this event into a rich tradition that improves each and every year." said David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues.
The recently formed Kentucky Exposition Foundation, a private, non-profit corporation separate from Kentucky Venues, is actively securing sponsorships for the Championship Drive and other educational programs at this year's Kentucky State Fair. The foundation was created to support the events at both the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center.
"Events at both of Kentucky Venues' facilities benefit everyone in the Commonwealth. The foundation operates as an organization independent from state government to help create more events and prove we can lead by example. The Kentucky Exposition Center and Kentucky International Convention Center foster economic development for the state, providing tourism and financial opportunities for the surrounding communities that assists Kentucky Venues with achieving its long-term goals." said Scott Shoenberger, chairman of the Kentucky Exposition Foundation.
The 2021 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 19-29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org or find the Fair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or its blog.
Categories: Kentucky, Rural Lifestyle