Kindred Agriculture Spirits

Family and farming are forever entwined for Alex and Becky Johnk and their daughter Lorraine.

CAIRO - It has always been about families and farming so it was fitting that Alex Johnk was announced as the first Adult-to-Youth Service awardee at the Greene County Youth Fair, last week.

Johnk is president of the Greene County Agriculture Society, a non-profit entity formed in 2003 dedicated to preserving and promoting the agricultural heritage of the county.

The group organizes the annual fair and Johnk, over the past few years, has become the perpetually-in-motion and very visible force behind the event which celebrated its 72nd year.

Johnk is also a welcome visitor to county legislature meetings where he expresses sincere appreciation for the financial support provided by lawmakers, a vital factor in the fair’s longevity and free admission.

So it makes sense that many legislators were on hand, during the July 23 Opening Day ceremonies, when Johnk was presented with the honor, created by the county Youth Advisory Board.

The Adult-to-Youth Service Award will henceforth, “recognize those adults who have dedicated outstanding efforts in serving as a role model for the youth of today and giving of their time, energy and heart to better the lives of children in Greene County,” the blue-ribbon tribute states.

“Both Greene County and New York State benefit greatly from the commitment and valuable service of these adult leaders of youth.    

“Alex started his adventure into farming together with his wife, Becky, in 2013 with a few pigs and a couple dairy cows,” the tribute states.

The family has a farmstand in their hometown of Greenville, fostering 80 head of cattle, summering in various pastures, coming home in winter.

“They are hard-working farmers who, together with their young daughter (Lorraine) encourage being outside on a farm and producing your own products (be it meat or other) while reaping delicious benefits,” the tribute states.

Lorraine is the crown jewel for Alex and Becky, who share a passion for the fair, with Becky taking part in rabbit showings when she was 8 years old.

Becky was a member of multiple 4-H Clubs in her childhood and has served on the fair’s board of directors for the past 23 years.

“It is ingrained in me,” Becky says, a feeling mutually felt by Alex and 8-year-old Lorraine who is carrying on the tradition of animal showings.

The venerable youth fair is a close second on the family list. “I love doing this,” said Alex, surrounded by the animal tents and activities that keep expanding as the event nears three-quarters of a century in existence.

“One way or another, I will always be involved,” says Alex whose regular job is with the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation agency.

“As the last free admission fair in New York State and one of the few remaining youth fairs, the event serves as a platform to celebrate and foster the achievements, creativity, and potential of the county's young people,” the tribute states.

“Year-round, Alex dedicates his time and volunteers to see that the annual fair is a success.  Naturally, fair time is his busiest and he can be seen from sun-up to sun-down on the grounds doing whatever numerous tasks that may need to be done,” the tribute continues.

Johnk does this “all to see that the fair is enjoyed, not only by the youth participating, but by those attending the fair as well,” the tribute states.

“Many of the young people who exhibit, as well as their parents, know him.  No matter how long the day has been, he always has a smile to share, and it has been said if you need something to be taken care of, Alex is always there seeing it gets done.

“Alex has always supported the various fair fundraisers by graciously donating a pig (pork products) to be used as a raffle or working at the periodic BBQs that the fair sponsors to benefit the youth and the fair,

“In addition to the fair, together with Becky, they promote farming as a way of life to the young people of the area and are involved with the local 4H and promoting agriculture,” the tribute states. 

“Alex not only shows his commitment and dedication to agriculture but the next generation. He is an excellent example and role model for all the youth that know him,” the tribute states.

He is a kindred spirt with the late Alfred Partridge, founder of the Youth Fair in 1949 in the mountaintop town of Ashland.