Down at the Fair, Future Farmers Educate

By Susan Anasagasti

July 23, 2004 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writer

At the Orange County Fair, which is taking place about halfway between the beach and South Coast Plaza, the idea of raising farm animals might seem passe.

But under a large tent, where livestock and city slickers unite, future farmers at the Junior Breeding Sheep Show were demonstrating Thursday how the two worlds collide.

“I’m a city girl,” said Carolyn McLaughlin, who was visiting the fair with her two granddaughters. “I grew up in Los Angeles, and I love animals. But I wish that I knew more about them.”

Venturing beyond the midway, children wandered by hay-covered trails as contestants showed off their breeds. The fair runs through Aug. 1 in Costa Mesa and plays host to a variety of agriculture activities, including 4-H booths to animal showmanship competitions.

“Everyone is very interested,” said 18-year-old Nicholas Williams, a senior at Harbor High School, whose Rambouillet sheep won third place in the master showmanship competition. “They are just not informed.”

Many members of the Future Farmers of America said they think it’s important to increase awareness. Some said their friends can’t identify farm animals.

“Some kids at my school thought my sheep was a goat,” said Brian Evans, 13, of Chino Hills. “It’s funny, but I try to teach them as much as possible.”

Abby Flores, 5, pointed in awe at the wide range of sheep at the show. She wanted to take her favorite -- a Suffolk she named Blackie -- home, but balked at the responsibility.

“It’s a lot of work taking care of animals,” Abby said. “I know because I’ve taken care of a caterpillar.”

As fairgoers wandered by, amused that such a place still exists in the middle of suburban Orange County, the hard-core agriculturalists contended that breeding animals is a way of life.

Liz Evans travels 220 miles a week, from one farm to another, so her three teenagers can feed and nurture their animals. Her kids are up by 6 a.m. to feed the sheep before going to school.

“This is a really good learning opportunity for the kids,” said Evans, of Chino Hills. “They learn the responsibilities of taking care of animals.”

John Nicewonger, an agriculture instructor at Modesto Junior College, said 26 breeds of sheep exist in the United States. The sheep are used to make a variety of products besides wool and meat, including chewing gum, antifreeze, bandage strips and tires, he said.

“Most of the people down here don’t really understand where food comes from,” said Nicewonger, the judge at the show. “It’s really important for us to let people know about agriculture.”

Bob Cricks, who was with his wife at the livestock tent escaping Thursday’s heat, said: “We’d be in big trouble if we didn’t have farmers. Where would all the food come from?”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Today’s highlights at the O.C. Fair

Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight. Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

More information: www.ocfair.com or (714) 708-3247

10 a.m.: Ringling Bros. Circus

11 a.m.: Southern California Indian Center Dancers

Noon: Wanda’s Dance Studio

1 p.m.: Singer Lani Risto

2 p.m.: Jelly in My Belly Jelly Donut Eating Contest

3 p.m.: Thompson School of Irish Dance

4 p.m.: Purple People Eaters Gingerbread-Eating Contest

5 p.m.: Rhythmo Mariachi Kids