Agriculture, New York State’s #1 industry! The NYSAAF Agricultural Awareness program provides support to the local County Fairs to showcase New York’s best in agriculture and livestock.

Our Fairs have bounced back from the pandemic and are stronger than ever as we move into the Fair season.

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.

Our 2022 FAIRSTRONG Fairs are:

Boonville-Oneida Fair, Boonville, NY – July 26-31 will feature a new exhibit with 2 pens each of dairy calves, beef cattle. They will post the times for children to come and feed the animals. The 4-H Youth will explain the difference between beef and dairy animals and the fair-going public will have the opportunity to learn where their food comes from.

Cayuga County Fair, Auburn, NY – July 28-30 plans to expand information and educational activities, encouraging the public participation in various Youth activities. These will focus on the agricultural industry.

Chemung County Fair, Horseheads, NY – August 2-7 is showcasing a live beehive exhibit. Here people can learn about honey production right from the bee themselves. There will some great educational information available. Can you find the Queen? with educational information

Dutchess County Fair, Rhinebeck, NY – August 23-28 – is installing a video board in the Livestock Area with show schedules, how judging takes place, any daily changes plus fun educational facts for the Fair-going public.

Erie County Fair, Hamburg, NY - August 10-21 – will highlight a new exhibit in the Ag Discovery Center. The exhibit will include a mock apple orchard, a four season tree, a grain chopper and much more. Plan a trip to the Ag Discovery Center, education for young and old alike.

Lewis County Fair, Louville, NY – July 19-23 - Companion Gardens are becoming very popular in the North Country. These gardens will feature; corn, beans, pumpkins all working together for more productive gardens. Displays will be added with interactive facts, selfie spots featuring various agricultural products. You too can create one of these at home for your own family.

Madison County Fair, Brookfield, NY – July 7-10 – New tie rails and removable stalls will be purchased to provide more flexibility in setting up the building. A variety of animal species are housed in the building. The new pens will be a great addition to the showcase of New York Agriculture.

Saratoga County Fair, Ballston Spa, NY – July 19-24 – A new showring in the small animal barn with be a welcome addition to the barn. This will allow for greater flexibility when presenting animals for the judge’s review. Stop by and learn just how animals are judged.

Ulster County Fair, New Paltz, NY – August 2-7 – plans are underway to further develop the Ag Museum. This improved space will re-create a old Dairy Barn, with stations, fake vacuum lines, fake cows and white washed walls. Here people can experience themselves in the barn tending to the livestock.

Washington County Fair, Greenwich, NY – August 22-28 – plans are developing to expand on educational opportunities for the public in the areas of Swine, Poultry, Rabbits, Cavies, Sheep, Goats and in Ag Center. Educating the fair-going public on livestock care, feeding and production is an important mission of the Fair.

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!