SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Great New York State Fair will celebrate the beef industry in New York State with fairgoers encouraged to join in on the special activities planned for Beef Day, Tuesday, August 30. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to interact with producers of New York’s high-quality beef and to learn more about this important part of New York’s agricultural industry. Events being held throughout the day include hay bale throwing contests, a scavenger hunt, a children’s activity center, shows, and more.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “I encourage everyone visiting the Fair on Beef Day to check out Beef Barn and Beef Gazebo, where they can meet our farmers and learn about the importance of the beef industry to New York State. From shows to scavenger hunts, games, recipe sharing, livestock shows, and more, Beef Day is a great day of fun and learning for the whole family.”
State Fair interim Director Sean Hennessey said, “Beef Day is an annual favorite at the Fair, and we invite fairgoers to join New York State’s top-notch beef producers in the Beef Barn, where they can learn about this important part of New York agriculture. Plus, the Highland Open Show and Supreme Female Show will be fun to watch as we cheer on the top beef females across the state and award the Supreme Female title. It’s all there at the Fair!”
The New York Beef Producers Association (NYBPA) will be on hand throughout the day at the Beef Gazebo, located by the show arena, to share recipe brochures, cooking ideas, meat cut charts, and educational materials for kids. NYBPA hats featuring the slogan “Beef: it’s what’s for dinner” will be available for purchase. At the Beef Barn, New York beef producers will welcome visitors to see the different cattle breeds on display and educate consumers about New York’s beef industry. Beef Day activities for fairgoers also include a hay bale throwing contest at 1:00 pm; a children’s activity center, including a corn pit and photo opportunities; a ‘guess the bull’s weight’ game; a corn hole toss game; and a scavenger hunt.
Additionally, NYBPA is hosting the Highland Open Show at 10:00 am and the Supreme Female Show at 3:00 pm, sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. In the Supreme Female Show, the top female heifer or cow/calf pair from each fair and show across the state will all come for a one-day special show, where the ultimate Supreme Female title will be awarded. Fairgoers are invited to come and cheer on the top beef females from across the state.
Amanda Dackowsky, Executive Secretary of NYBPA said, “Every year, NYBPA looks forward to Beef Day at the Great New York State Fair. Not only do we get to celebrate our favorite thing, we get to share our stories with consumers, talking about our livelihoods, our cattle, and how much we care for them, our land, and the environment. We also get to talk about our favorite beef recipes, fun facts, and share in some beef fun for fair goers of all ages.”
About New York’s Beef Industry
New York State is home to approximately 12,800 cattle farms with nearly 1.48 million cattle that supply nutritious, wholesome beef to consumers, and these farms contribute to New York State’s economy by generating nearly $345 million in annual sales.
–NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets