It begins today. The 62nd National Barrow Show takes over the Mower County Fairgrounds through Wednesday.

The four-day swine extravaganza is billed as the “World Series of Swine Shows” and showcases many of the top breeding boars and foundation females in the country.

The highlights will also include competitions among college ag programs, plus swine buyers and sellers from throughout the world.

We are fortunate to have such a prestigious agriculture event come through Austin every year.

Not only does it gives our residents a chance to take in all of the action, but it gives the local economy a boost as well.

In excess of 4,500 people attended the National Barrow Show in 2007, from vendors to exhibitors to agriculture connoisseurs.

“They eat here, they sleep here, and they buy souvenirs here,” said Cheryl Corey, executive director of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and a member of the National Barrow Show committee.

Corey said the show’s contract is locked in for several more years with Mower County, which is a good thing for Austin.

The National Barrow Show is a great opportunity for everyone involved because it provides a world-class service for both visitors and residents, and it also plays a role in supporting to our local businesses.