GAINESVILLE, FL:

  It's that time of the year again... the alachua county youth fair and livestock show began today in Gainesville.

     Katie Douberly in Alachua County said, "it's just a fun experience something you are always looking forward to."

     That's how Katie Douberly described the Alachua County youth fair and livestock show.

     It's Douberly's fifth year showing at the event so she know's just how difficult the preparation for the show is.

     "At home you have to feed and water the cow everyday and wash it, it's a long experience from september until now, and even before then, you've got to take care of your animal everyday," said Douberly.

     It's Kadie Feagle's fourth year at the show and like Douberly she knows preparation is key.

     Feagle said, "Quite a bit of work into it, just getting the animal ready, for the ring and stuff, so they will be tame around all of the people."

     Fair board President Chenoa Dixon says it takes a special individual to get involved in the show.

     Dixon says there are a few specific life lessons that the event teaches  the kids.

     "Most importantly it develops leadership skills with the youth, they also learn about the agricultural process, financial record keeping, as well as promoting themselves, promoting the community," said Dixon.

     And it's important that they're learning these lessons Dixon says the future of agriculture in our area rests in their hands.

     Dixon said, "Agriculture in Alachua County is starting to fade, and we are trying to stop that trend and bring back agricultural awareness in the Alachua County, and it's up to the youth of Alachua county to continue that process."

     And regarding the show, perhaps Katie Douberly said it best.

"It takes a lot of work but it's definitely worth it in the end."

     Hard work that will ensure agriculture here in Alachua County will be strong for years to come.

     The Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock show will last through Tuesday, March 3rd.

     The show is open to the public.