Usually, when I yell and scream at the television, it is because some smug-faced reporter has just misrepresented American agriculture and the men and woman who work in it. Last week, however, I was yelling for a different reason. It was because my favorite sports team, the Chicago Blackhawks, had just clinched the coveted Stanley Cup.

The series produced some of the best hockey I have seen in some time. After the game, player after player skated around the rink holding Lord Stanley’s cup over his head. As the commentator properly assesses, this is the toughest trophy in all of sports to win. To hoist the cup is the sign of a true champion in the world of hockey. A few days later, the team was honored with a parade down the streets of Chicago. Thousands of fans turned out to cheer their champions. Everyone loves a champion.

In the next few weeks, there will be more champions honored. They will not hoist a 35-pound, silver cup or get national television exposure. They will, however, be recognized for their hard work and achievement. They are the 4-H youth who will be honored at their local county fairs.

At a select number of Indiana county fairs, a new champion will be honored - a champion who, by example, is teaching consumers about how their food is produced. For many people, a trip to the county fair is a chance to ride the midway rides and eat fair food. There might be a concert or tractor pull or demolition derby. There are many fair visitors who leave the fairgrounds without ever walking into a livestock barn.

This was the reason for the Champions of Animal Care project. Last year, Indiana Farm Bureau launched a statewide media campaign to encourage people to visit the 4-H livestock projects to learn about livestock care and production in their counties. This year, the concept is going one step further.

In partnership with county Farm Bureaus, Hoosier Ag Today will award an individual with the Champion of Animal Care award. While the exact criteria will vary from county to county, the individual selected will be an example of good animal care. They will serve as an example of how 4-H youth and livestock farmers care for their animals. There will be a public ceremony and lots of local media coverage.

In addition, a series of radio announcements highlighting the program will spread the word to the entire community. While this will not force HSUS to put up the “going out of business” sign, it will bring to consumers’ attention a credible local example of good animal care.

This award is not meant to compete with or take anything away from the 4-H champion ribbons, but rather to bring credibility to the thousands of 4-H youth who raise animals and demonstrate proper animal husbandry skills. These are the future leaders of our industry and our communities.

As such they can teach their neighbors the facts about modern livestock production and the role it plays in producing the food we eat.

This is a grassroots campaign, with direction and funding coming from the local Farm Bureau organization. If you feel your county would benefit from such a program, contact Hoosier Ag Today or the communications department of Indiana Farm Bureau.

Everyone loves a champion, and we have plenty of them in agriculture. Let’s start recognizing them and use that recognition to teach consumers.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Gary Truitt may write to him in care of this publication.