Lori McManus Nourish and Thrive

Fair week has come to an end, and what an incredible week it has been.

I’m so proud of our Coop Commanders and all of the 4-H members who spent months preparing for these few special days. From caring for animals every day at home, to long hours at the fairgrounds, early mornings, late nights, showing, learning, and supporting one another—it all paid off.

This week brought blue ribbons, champions, a successful livestock auction, new friendships, and countless memories that will last a lifetime. But more importantly, it reminded us what 4-H is truly about: responsibility, hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, and community.

A heartfelt thank you to our families, volunteers, buyers, sponsors, fair staff, and everyone who encouraged these young people along the way. Your support helps them grow into confident, capable leaders.

Now it’s time to head home, unpack the trailers, care for the animals that came back with us, catch up on a little rest, and start looking ahead to next year.

Thank you, Broome County Fair, for another wonderful week. Until next year…

💚🍀

What an incredible evening for the Coop Commanders at the Broome County 4-H Livestock Auction!

🐔 15 meat chickens
🦃 10 turkeys

All sold!

Our members spent months caring for these animals, and seeing their hard work rewarded was such a proud moment. We are so thankful to the generous buyers and sponsors who invested not only in quality, locally raised livestock, but also in the future of our young farmers. Your support means more than you know.

It’s hard to believe today marks the final day of the fair. This week has been filled with learning, teamwork, laughter, new friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Congratulations to every 4-H member on a job well done, and thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s fair such a success.

💚

🎡 Saturday is a big one at the Broome County Fair in Whitney Point! 👇

🛍️ Makers Market: 1-4pm — Browse handmade goods, crafts, baked treats, and more from talented local 4-H entrepreneurs. It's the perfect chance to shop small and take home something special while supporting our 4-H youth!

🐄 Livestock Auction: 4pm — Come cheer on our local 4-H youth as they show off months of hard work raising and caring for their animals. It's always a wonderful way to support the next generation of farmers!

See you at the Broome County Fairgrounds in Whitney Point!

What an AMAZING day yesterday! 💚🍀

After so much time, care, practice, and preparation getting all the birds ready, it was finally SHOWTIME! 🐔🦃

And our Coop Commanders 4-H Club ROCKED IT! 🙌

💙 Blue ribbons
🏆 Grand Champions
🏆 Reserve Champions
👏 And so many proud moments!

But even better than the ribbons was watching these kids step into the show ring, put everything they’ve learned into action, and have a great experience together. That’s what 4-H is all about. 🍀

Today we’re enjoying a little quieter day at the fair, catching our breath and getting ready for one more BIG event…

Tomorrow is the 4-H Livestock Auction! 🐔🦃

So proud of our Coop Commanders and everything they’ve accomplished this week!

🍀 Fair Week Update! 🍀

Yesterday was a little bit of a lighter day—and I think we all needed it! ❤️

After morning cleanup and making sure all the animals were taken care of, the kids got to spend some time in the 4-H building doing activities and enjoying everything fair week has to offer.

Then it was back to work! We spent some time practicing skills and showmanship and getting ready for the shows ahead. 🐓🦃

🐰 Bryce had his turn in the show ring last night with his bunny! This fair is a little bittersweet because it’s his last year as a Cloverbud. It sure goes fast watching these kids grow, learn, and become more confident each year.

And tonight is a BIG one for our Coop Commanders…

🐓🦃 POULTRY SHOW NIGHT! 🦃🐓

The kids have put in weeks of feeding, watering, cleaning, practicing, learning, and caring for these birds. Tonight they finally get the chance to take them into the show ring and show what they’ve learned.

No matter what ribbons come home, I’m already proud of the work they’ve put in. 🍀💚

Wish our Coop Commanders luck tonight! 🤞🐓

Well… yesterday definitely didn’t go quite as planned! 🌧️☔

The rain poured, and unfortunately the Broome County Fair opening night parade was canceled.

So what does a 4-H club do when plans change?

🦃 We gave the turkeys a spa day.
🌧️ We laughed, played, and got soaked in the rain.
💚 We made memories anyway.

Sometimes fair week isn’t about perfect weather—it’s about teamwork, flexibility, and finding joy no matter what the forecast brings.

Tomorrow it’s the meat chickens’ turn! 😄🐔

Fair week is always an adventure, and we’re here for every muddy, rainy, unforgettable moment.

Yesterday was one of those long, exhausting, but incredibly rewarding days.

Our 4-H families spent the day transporting animals to the Broome County Fairgrounds, checking them in, getting them weighed, settled into their pens, and making sure every bird and animal had what they needed for the week ahead. It’s a lot of work, but it’s work that teaches responsibility, teamwork, and dedication.

I’m so grateful for the many hands that pitched in. Fair week truly is a team effort, and it’s amazing to see everyone working together to help these kids succeed.

Today is another full day as judging begins and preparations continue, all leading up to tonight’s parade that officially opens the Broome County Fair for the week.

Please keep all of our 4-H youth, volunteers, families, and animals in your thoughts and prayers as they begin what we hope will be a wonderful week filled with learning, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.

See you at the fair! 💚🐔🦃🐇🦆🌻

💚 The Future of Agriculture is Looking Bright! 🍀

One of my favorite parts of 4-H isn’t just raising animals—it’s watching young people grow.

From our youngest Cloverbuds to our experienced members, each child is learning something valuable: responsibility, teamwork, kindness, and the rewards of showing up and doing the work.

As fair week begins, these smiles remind me what it’s is all about. It’s not just the ribbons or the auction. It’s the friendships that are built, the confidence that grows, and the memories that will last a lifetime.

I’m so thankful for every family, volunteer, and leader who invests their time in these kids. You are helping shape the next generation of farmers, leaders, and community members.

Prayers for a safe, successful, and fun-filled week for all of our 4-H families. Let’s make it a great fair! 💚🐔🦃🍀

☀️ Sunday Blessings | The Beginning of Fair Week 💚🍀

Today begins one of our favorite weeks of the year.

Months ago, tiny poults and chicks arrived at the homestead. Since then, they’ve been fed, watered, cared for, and watched over every day. Along the way, our 4-H kids have learned responsibility, patience, perseverance, and the rewards that come from faithful, consistent work.

Tomorrow the animals head to the fairgrounds, and a week full of learning, showing, friendships, and memories begins.

As we start fair week, I’m reminded of this verse:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

My prayer is that each of our young exhibitors enjoys the experience, does their very best, learns something new, and remembers that their character and dedication matter far more than any ribbon.

Wishing all of our 4-H families a safe, fun, and blessed fair week. May God watch over every exhibitor, volunteer, leader, and animal throughout the week.

💚 Happy Sunday, and let the fair adventures begin! 🌻🐔🦃🍀🚜

🌻 Saturday Market Day! 🥚🐔

It’s a beautiful day to shop local! Stop by the Binghamton Regional Farmers Market and stock up on fresh, locally raised food while supporting a family farm.

This week we have:
🥚 Farm-fresh eggs
🐔 Pasture-raised chicken

The homestead has been busy as we make the final preparations for the Broome County Fair. Our 4-H members are putting the finishing touches on their projects and continuing to care for their market birds.

Just one week to go until the Broome County 4-H Livestock Auction! We’re incredibly proud of Troy, Natalie, Olivia, Arianna, and Tristian, who have spent months raising their market turkeys and meat chickens. We hope you’ll consider coming to the auction on Saturday, August 1 at 4:00 PM to support these hardworking young exhibitors.

📍 Binghamton Regional Farmers Market
🕘 Saturday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Thank you for choosing local, supporting agriculture, and encouraging the next generation of farmers. We can’t wait to see you at the market! 💚🐔🥚🚜