Youth Learn the Dollars and Cents of Agriculture this Fair Season

(NewsUSA) - For students around the country, summer vacation may be in full swing, but for many, that hasn't kept them from learning - especially those interested in a career in agriculture.

For the sixth consecutive year, National 4-H Council has partnered with CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, to bring the Commodity Carnival experience to more than 100 state and county fairs in the Midwest.

Commodity Carnival is an interactive learning activity that guides participants through a three-step process of producing and selling livestock: grow your livestock, sell your livestock and win a ribbon.

The game aims to build greater literacy in agricultural science and economics, as a crucial element of our economy, to youth at state and county fairs. Beyond the fairgrounds, students can also participate through the mobile companion app, Risk Ranch.

"We hope that breaking down these complex topics for kids in a fun way will encourage more students to pursue future careers in this industry," says CME Group Managing Director of Agricultural Products Tim Andriesen.

"Agriculture has played a vital role in CME Group's long history and business today. We're proud to help educate its future leaders on the basics."

CME Group and 4-H first collaborated in 2013, driven by the same mission to prepare future generations of farmers and food producers with respect to risk management in agriculture.

In its five-year history, Commodity Carnival has reached nearly 325,000 students in person, including over 72,000 participants last year alone.

"Through our partnership with CME Group, young people are learning about risk management in agriculture while cultivating important life skills like responsibility and critical thinking," says National 4-H Council President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo.

"When they face challenges, succeed and win a ribbon, young people learn that hard work - in agriculture and beyond - can be both enjoyable and rewarding."

To learn more about the Commodity Carnival, Risk Ranch and see a list of more than 100 fairs participating this season, visit www.cmegroup.com/4hcarnival.