By Blake Jackson
The Keystone International Livestock Exposition (KILE) marked its 66th year as it returned to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. This event spanned two weekends and featured over 1,000 competitors from 27 states participating in livestock competitions and exhibitions. KILE, the largest livestock show on the East Coast, encompassed national 4-H, FFA, and collegiate team and individual judging competitions, along with showcasing thousands of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas, and horses in various competitions.
This event serves as a significant platform for developing youth leadership skills, animal care and breeding knowledge, and farm management skills, all of which are crucial for the future of the agriculture industry. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the importance of nurturing these skills among the youth, as they represent the seeds of agriculture's future. The agriculture industry relies on a skilled and innovative workforce to thrive.
The bi-partisan budget for 2023-24 signed by Governor Shapiro included investments in agriculture's next generation. These investments, totaling $13.8 million as part of the PA Farm Bill, support strategic initiatives aimed at building a skilled workforce for the agriculture sector while eliminating barriers to entry. Additionally, the budget provides funding for youth competitions like KILE, the Pennsylvania Commission for Agriculture Education Excellence, and significant increases in K-12 education funding, apprenticeships, career and technology training, and broadband internet access expansion in rural communities.
The first weekend of KILE included a range of competitions, such as ranch riding, goat shows, and hog shows, showcasing various breeds and evaluating young participants in animal care and handling. The second weekend promised an equally diverse array of events, including draft horse and pony competitions, sheep and cattle shows featuring various breeds, a national judging competition involving high school and collegiate teams, and the Make it With Wool clothing design and construction competition.
Visitors had the opportunity to interact with the animals and their handlers throughout the complex, learning about different breeds and the intricacies of their care and management. The event also featured culinary competitions, including the Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned Keystone Classic Barbecue Competition.
KILE, with its free admission and parking, provides an excellent opportunity for the public to engage with the agriculture industry, gain insights into animal husbandry, and enjoy a wide range of livestock-related activities. This event not only showcases top-notch animals and skilled exhibitors but also emphasizes the vital role of youth development in ensuring the future success of agriculture in Pennsylvania and beyond.
For those interested in staying updated on KILE events, schedules, results, and photos, the official website keystonelivestockexpo.com provides comprehensive information throughout the show.
And learn more about investments in the vitality and growth of Pennsylvania's agriculture industry at agriculture.pa.gov and at shapirobudget.pa.gov.
Photo Credit: Keystone International Livestock Exposition
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business