I watched a portion of the beef cattle judging at the Anoka County Fair last Saturday. It was a pleasant respite from the heat, sitting and recalling to mind my former county fair days.

The youngest of exhibitors started showing first. A couple of the youth could handle their calves. Some needed a parent’s stronger hand. It didn’t matter to the judge. He was glad they were there and told us so. They were the future of the cattle industry and he wanted to encourage their efforts, he said.

Then he made time for each child. He knelt beside them and quietly talked with them about their animals. It was easy to imagine their conversations, focusing on care and feeding.

A young exhibitor talks with the judge about her heifer.

It took a lot of parental and community support to make those few minutes in the ring happen for each child.

A parent decided 4-H was going to be a priority in the child’s life.

An adult volunteered to help lead a 4-H group or club that provided a learning environment for that young person.

A community supported its county fair so facilities could be provided for activities.

We cannot put a dollar value on these investments. We know in the long run they do pay off. Young people learn by doing, they learn what they are good at, and they gain confidence to serve as leaders.

This is what truly matters.