Observer editorial: Need character? Look no further than local FFA and 4-H members

The editorial staff of the Observer knows very little about showing animals.

At least, that was the case before last week’s Kimball-Banner County Fair. After a crash course, a baptism by fire of sorts, both members of the editorial staff can safely say they know a great deal more about everything that goes into this process.

With this understanding comes a great deal of respect for everything that these young men and women represent at the fair each year. They all stand for values that, at times, have fallen to the wayside in today’s society: respect, honor and hard work.

Too many young Americans have come to gain a sense of entitlement, something that bewilders their elders, confounds their parents and leaves society, as a whole, wondering where we went wrong. Thankfully, hope can be found amidst the sea of eight-year olds with iPhones, 12-year olds with Gucci purses and 16-year olds with brand new sports cars.

You needn’t look further than our local FFA and 4-H youth.

Year-round, these young men and women work to care for their animals, ensuring their optimal health, at what many consider to be great personal cost. When the icy winter winds blow cold, these young adults are out; ensuring animals are cared for, with food and water. When temperatures reach triple digits, the same can be said, as they work to make sure their animals are safe from the scorching heat.

Meanwhile, a majority of the nation’s youth complains that their vehicles don’t have remote start. That means that they have to go outside and start the car themselves, and sometimes, they might have to scrape ice off the windows. What a cruel, cruel world.

Dressed in their crisp white 4-H shirts, blue jeans and boots, complete with the very-necessary belt buckle, the local youth showcased not only their animals over the past week, but the very best this nation, and this town, have to offer; hardworking and honest individuals dedicated to making this world a better place by feeding others and working with one another for the sake of their livelihoods and agriculture, as a whole.

This past week taught us all here at the Observer not only the finer details of showing animals and animal science, but the character and perseverance that these animals’ owners must have year-round, even when the spotlight is off.

To you, we tip our hats. You make our town incredibly proud.