The NYSAAF Agricultural Awareness program provides support to the local County Fairs to showcase New York’s best in agriculture and livestock.

Each year the program goal is to make funds available to fairs to create exhibits or facility improvements that support agriculture during their annual events. These funds enable the local fair to present something about New York agriculture with an emphasis on education and product promotion in the local area. With the support of the people, the local fair is the showcase.

These fairs are eligible for the program this year: Afton Fair, Hemlock Fair, Seneca County Fair, Broome County Fair, Greene County Youth Fair, Otsego County Fair, Franklin County Fair, Wyoming County Fair, Altamont Fair, Essex County Fair, Schaghticoke Fair, and Grahamsville Little World's Fair.

Here are the Ag Awareness Projects in 2023:

Chautauqua County Fair purchased gates for a travel path for cows to the milking parlor so that they have easier access. They also installed hose bibs in the wash racks to eliminate leakage when washing cows.

Columbia County Fair designed signs that detail various agricultural facts and information including the difference between dairy and beef cows.

Fonda Fair purchased new pens for the goats, sheep and hogs so that more livestock can be brought to the fair which adds to the agricultural educational experience for fairgoers.

Genesee County Fair also purchased new pens for the goats, sheep and pigs so that more livestock can be brought to the fair which adds to the agricultural educational experience for fairgoers. In 2022 they had more than 1200 animals at the fair and they needed more room!

Gouverneur & St. Lawrence County Fair purchased barn fans for use in the show ring to run during livestock shows to help with the comfort of livestock during hot temperatures.

Livingston County Agricultural Society and Fair at Caledonia created a new food and agriculture display with raised garden beds. Local students grew the vegetable plants in small pots at school and then the plants were put in the raised garden beds at the fair. This creates an opportunity for youth to learn about growing food, but also adds an educational display about food agriculture at the fair.

Long Island Fair added a custom made three tiered block exhibit positioned on a vertical pole where children will be invited to align the three blocks for a corresponding animal displays. This is located at the “Farmer for a Day” barn where there are interactive learning areas for youth to learn about chickens, potatoes, apples and dairy.

Niagara County Fair purchased movable bleachers to provide seating for fairgoers watching agricultural events such as the youth livestock shows and tractor parade.

Ontario County Fair purchased barn fans for use in the show ring during livestock shows to help with the comfort of livestock and fairgoers during hot temperatures.

Country Fair in Otisville (Orange County CCE) created a 4-H Food System and Farm-to-Table educational display where fairgoers can learn how food is grown and processed.

Steuben County Fair installed a sound system in the cattle barn to keep exhibitors and visitors better informed on show schedule and other information between shows.

Warren County Youth Fair purchased a portable hand-washing station to set up near animals that are being displayed for educational purposes. Also, they developed a display with an outline of the county and each township within the county. This display is adaptable to feature different aspects of agriculture, such as locations of farmers markets and farm stands.

Wayne County Fair created interactive agricultural informational posters, banners and displays to set up throughout the livestock exhibits.

Whatever your destination is throughout New York, you will find a County Fair which will peak your interest. Be sure to stop by and visit one of the 52 Fairs in New York. They will provide you and your family with a fun time, a positive experience and some insight into where your family’s food comes from, how it is grown, harvested and marketed. As people of this great State, we are proud to keep the tradition of agriculture and the State & County Fair “Standing Strong!”

Enjoy the Fair season, see you at a Fair!