Clermont County Fair, part 1

The Clermont County fair opened on Sunday, and I took advantage of the beautiful afternoon to walk around the fairgrounds, visit the animal barns, and take in a little harness racing. The Clermont County fair is one of the oldest fairs in the state, and was first held in 1846. It has been held in Owensville (previously called Boston) since the Civil War.
Dairy goats made for an interesting exhibit. According to the informational posters, there are 6 breeds of dairy goats, and I found examples of four of them:
Saanens are a common dairy breed. Saanens, which are all white, are popular for their large udder capacity and the quantity of milk they produce.
Alpines can be any color except solid white. They have upright ears, which helps separate them from Nubians.

Nubians, with their long, floppy ears, are distinctive. They can be any color or pattern, and have a convex nose. They are one of the larger breeds of goats, and can be stubborn. Their milk is prized for its high protein and butter fat content.

A Nubian goat, with a Saanen in the next pen for comparison.

I like Toggenburgs for their pretty faces. They are always light brown in color, with white accents, including these stripes.
Pygmy goats, while not a dairy breed, were also on display.
Of course there are sheep in this barn, too.
Sheep get a haircut just before showing, to help the judges appreciate their shape and condition.
After their trim, they wear sheep "pajamas" to keep themselves clean and neat.
The pigs are always fun to see. This face belongs to your typical "pink" piggy, really white with its light pink skin showing through. I'm not sure of the breed, Yorkshire, I think.
The red Duroc is a handsome pig. The drooping ears are a breed characteristic.

Most of the pigs I saw were flat out on their sides, snoozing, like these Hampshires.

For cattle, we had beef breeds, dairy cows like these Jerseys (or Guernseys, I always get them confused)
and for a "wow" factor, Watusi. Look at those horns!
The junior fair exhibitors, mostly 4-H'ers, were busy prepping their animals for the week's upcoming shows. The wash stand line was waiting-room only.

These farm kids work hard all season, raising and training their animals, then camping out in an empty stall in all weather during fair week, caring for their charges. The lessons they learn, and the money they earn when their exhibit is sold, are invaluable. When you go to the fair, if you only visit the midway you have missed the best parts. County fairs were established to show off the farmer's work - his cattle, his vegetables, and the equipment he used to bring food to our tables, like these old tractors.
So, take in a county fair near you. Wander around the animal barns or watch some cattle or sheep being shown. You will come away with a new appreciation for farming.