4-H has always been a worthy program, but it is perhaps even more so today.

With American farms on the decline — about 2 million farms exist today, compared to a peak 6.8 million in 1935, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture — programs such as 4-H keep our youth interested in that vitally important segment of both our economy and our very lives.

But, with most county fairs canceled this summer because of the coronavirus, our 4-H youth have lost the big show where all their hard work pays off.

The Alpena County Fair Board said it will support 4-H programs despite the loss of the fair, and some organizers have said they are exploring ways kids could still show their animals, perhaps in an online, livestreamed format.

We hope those efforts come to fruition, and we encourage any of our readers in a position to help that effort to do so. Likewise, we hope that, if online shows happen and are open to the public, that all of readers sign on to show their support.

Finally, we hope our youth are not discouraged by this setback. What you’re doing is worthwhile and important, and we’ll need you in our future.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)