New York Agriculture, FAIRSTRONG in 2025!
2026 Ag Awareness Program Application (COMING SOON)
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 2025:
Allegany County Fair:
Funding will install a new swine wash rack at the Livestock Barn to improve drainage, sanitation, and manure handling. A new walkway and ramp will replace an 8" step for safer access, with sorting gates for easier animal handling.
Clinton County Fair:
We plan to purchase small ruminant panels and door kits for sheep and goat barns. More pens will improve safety and accessibility for visitors, including wheelchair users and families with strollers.
Cortland County Jr Fair:
Our project will promote wool awareness by educating visitors about sheep, alpacas, llamas, goats, and rabbits. Demonstrations will show fiber processing from shearing to yarn-making, held in high-traffic areas or the Ag Corporation building depending on weather.
Delaware County Fair:
We propose replacing the broken sound system in the horse area. The new system will improve coverage for barns, bleachers, and the arena, ensuring better participation, clear announcements, and a stronger draw for horse events.
Genesee Valley Breeder Association Fair:
We will host a tent featuring a local feed mill, a blacksmith demonstration, a horse rescue organization, and an equine veterinarian.
Goshen Historic Track:
We plan to add umbrellas to existing picnic tables and purchase a few more tables with umbrellas. This will create shaded, comfortable seating to encourage visitors to watch and enjoy the Harness Horse Races.
Herkimer County Fair:
Our Ag Awareness building will be updated with new paint, shelving, and banners. The building is near the main entrance and livestock barns, organized into five educational sections. Updates will modernize displays and emphasize agriculture and local products.
Jefferson County Fair:
Two displays will form an interactive booth:
A customized exhibit on Jefferson County’s agricultural history with panels, artifacts, and digital storytelling.
An Enviroscape display showing sustainable land management and conservation practices.
Orleans County 4-H Fair:
With record growth in our market auction program—40 youth and more animals than ever—we will purchase more interchangeable gating for swine, goats, and sheep.
Tioga County Fair:
We plan to install five reader board screens in the Clover Leaf Café, Cattle Barn, and Agriculture Building. These will display show times and farming highlights, replacing outdated chalkboards with clear, efficient signage.
Wherever you travel in New York, you’ll find a County Fair waiting to welcome you. With 52 fairs across the state, there’s something for everyone—fun, learning, and a firsthand look at how food is grown and raised. Our State and County Fairs proudly keep agriculture and tradition Standing Strong!
Enjoy the fair season—see you at the fair!