No matter what you do when you visit the State Fair, you are surrounded by agriculture. August 9th is Agriculture Day at the State Fair. The fair is home to all things Illinois agriculture, and that’s exactly how it has been since the beginning of the fair’s history.
Garrett Hawkins, vice president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, says, “County and state fairs started with agriculture. From livestock shows to crop displays, there is so much agriculture here at the state fair.”
Because the fair is rooted in Illinois agriculture, it is so important to dedicate an entire day to it. The fair is a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about the industry that drives our state and country.
Brain Duncan, president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, adds, “Fairs have always been a gathering place for urban and rural residents to get a chance to share the history of Illinois agriculture and show off a little. And I think agriculture deserves a day for it.”
Agriculture industry officials strongly encourage fairgoers to walk through the livestock barns and talk to the exhibitors who have spent countless hours preparing for the Illinois State Fair.
You’ll get a first-hand look at animal protein production and learn the fun side of it.” – Dave Duzan, President of the Illinois Beef Association
For these farming families, the fair is an opportunity to see their hard work pay off. Cheryl Walsh is president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association. But at the fair, she’s mostly a mom, helping her children showcase their projects.
I’m actually a mom and my kids are showing sheep here this week, so for me it’s about spending time with my family and watching them work on their projects and being able to show them.” – Cheryl Walsh, President of the Illinois Pork Producers Association
As Eliza Petry of Fox Illinois strolled through the livestock pens, she met passionate agriculture advocates from every generation. Maylen is a young exhibitor who shows sheep and cattle, and she says her favorite part of the show is being with her family and friends.
But her passion for farming extends beyond her time in the show ring at the Illinois State Fair. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she says, “Maybe I want to work in farming or be an agriculture teacher.”
Whether you have an agricultural background or not, when you visit the Illinois State Fair you must sample and see everything that Illinois agriculture has to offer our state.
