Scenes from a 4-H barn at the Ohio State Fair

Axios spent time chatting with 4-H participants from across Ohio this week at the Ohio State Fair.

• Here's a closer look at two accomplished exhibitors:

Bella Foley, 13

It only took a few hours into the fair's first day for Bella Foley to earn a Grand Champion banner for her sheep.

State of play: The Eaton native raises award-winning Oxford breeding sheep near the Indiana border.

Why sheep? She enjoys how their personalities vary between sweet and rambunctious, just like people.

What's next: Bella is headed back home early for the Preble County Fair, which opens tomorrow.

• It's an exhausting few weeks, she admits, but says the hard work is worth it.

Landin Carr, 17

Landin Carr doesn't live on a farm and says his own brother is a "polar opposite" who has no interest in agriculture.

• But Landin fell in love at an early age and is now a skilled hog showman with four years of state fair experience under his belt.

What he's saying: Landin likes seeing crowds back at the fairgrounds after competing in the public-free event last year.

What's next: The teen has two more years of eligibility in 4-H left and hopes to eventually make a career in farming.