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Education Makes Fair Prep Worth It, Teen Says

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 10, 2008

Meet: Sarah Joyce, 16, Land O' Lakes

I have been in the agriculture program since my ninth-grade year and have been showing heifers at the Pasco County and Florida State fairs since then. I love being in this program, because I have a lot of fun, and it's also a great experience for someone who loves animals.

It takes a lot of work preparing for the fairs. I feed my heifer, Cindi Lou, twice a day. I also have to groom her and bathe her.

From the beginning of January is when all the fun begins. I have to make sure all my fair deadlines are in, make sure my heifer stays healthy and also have to get her looking good. I will be getting her hooves clipped, clipping her hair and be working with her every day so she walks good in the show ring.

I love raising animals. I actually have two heifers, but one I will not be showing because of age.

I am in the Land O' Lakes FFA and also the Land O' Lakes 4-H. Almost all of my time is devoted to agriculture, whether it has to do with going to meetings, taking care of my animals or getting ready for fair. It seems like every day, I always learn something new. I just learned how to cut warts off of my heifer last week.

Come See Her

Sarah and Cindi Lou will be at the Florida State Fair today through Wednesday.

Her show times are 4 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. Tuesday.

They will be at the Pasco County Fair Feb.18. The show starts at 6 p.m.

Keyword: Young Farmers, to read more about students raising animals for the fair.

To share your story, e-mail editor Jeff Scullin at jscullin@tampatrib.com.

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