Local and out-of-town farmers celebrated another great year at the 166th Great Allentown Fair.

Many farms showcased a variety of livestock, such as Ayrshire dairy cows and Nubian goats from So and So Farms, Washington, N.J and Lilac Corners Farm, Shillington, respectively. Deer Tree Farm from Upper Black Eddy provided a mixed array of sheep as did Busy Acres Farms, Whitehall, for pigs.

The Great Allentown Fair judges different species, but the process remains similar. Local chapters of the national 4-H organization serve on the panel, following a strict procedure. What judges look for is a prime specimen. Quality remains in the animal’s physical fitness and anatomy, especially for animals that breed and produce milk. Etiquette during the competition is crucial, as well as the owner’s knowledge and physical handling of their animal. Being a champion means gaining recognition and interest from bidders looking to make a deal during auctions.

With raising livestock comes a sense of pride and accomplishment. Brittany Smith, of So and So Farms, believes her time on the farm has taught her many valuable lessons, such as time management and problem solving.

Carol Holder, of Lilac Corners Farm, acknowledges there is “a huge commitment” involved. Among many responsibilities, her goats also need milking two times a day in order to stay healthy and productive.

Beyond the many hours of hard work put in every year, there is also a tight knit agricultural community. For instance, many of the farms have been involved with the 4-H. It is key for farmers to make friends who can offer insight and companionship. John Strawbridge, of Busy Acres Farms, primarily focuses on breeding pigs and his years of traveling gave him a chance to meet other breeders. Becky Kunkel, of Deer Tree Farm, also makes a point to attend festivals and shows that focus on her passion for knitting and spinning sheep wool into yarn.

“No part of a sheep will go unused,” Kunkel explains.

While the idea of whether livestock are property rather than pets is debatable, owners do appreciate and love their animals.

“They are my buddies!” Kunkel said. “Every day is different. You never know what will happen.”

Likewise, Smith has worked with dairy cows all her life, but she considers them her dearest friends.

“I know their purpose from their time of birth, but it doesn’t stop me from naming them!” Smith admits.

The bond between farmer and animal grows stronger with every generation.

Owners will go on to enter another breeding season and participate in future competitions. Smith will represent the New Jersey 4-H and the FFA when she serves as a judge in the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. She will also attend Rutgers University to study pre-veterinary medicine. Kunkel is planning to attend the upcoming Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Holder’s goats have already placed Best in Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg and Holder will likely enter to win again.

Strawbridge is also looking forward to the show, along with the Bloomsburg Fair, where 160 of his pigs are expected to compete.