The 88th Annual Jim Wells County Fair is underway, showcasing months of hard work by young exhibitors who have dedicated themselves to raising and caring for livestock.

From carnival rides to feathered friends, county fair exhibitors are displaying the results of their commitment to animal care and agricultural education.

Nova Meija, a member of Ben Bolt FFA, has been showing chickens and goats for five years. She also helps her twin sister raise turkeys for competition.

"When I first got in, I thought it was going to be a fun activity. Just to get my mind off things. Afterschool, in the mornings, on my free time," Meija said.

However, this year brought unexpected challenges for the teenager. She experienced setbacks that taught her valuable lessons about proper animal care.

"I lost t

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