The Great New York State Fair will celebrate Beef Day on August 26, with visitors encouraged to join several activities highlighting New York’s beef industry. In coordination with the New York Beef Council, this special celebration offers a full day of hands-on activities, education, and entertainment that puts a spotlight on New York’s beef producers and the importance of beef to New York agriculture. Special events throughout the day include gate giveaways, an interactive educational booth near the Beef Barn, and the Supreme Show, one of The Fair’s most anticipated livestock events featuring the best female cattle from county fairs across the state.
Fair Director Julie LaFave said, “Beef Day is always an exciting day at The Fair, and with giveaways, competitions, and educational activities throughout the day, this year’s celebration promises to live up to that tradition. I encourage all fairgoers to jump in on the fun during Beef Day this year and learn more about New York’s hardworking farmers!”
Now celebrating its 30th year at The Fair, Beef Day aims to build excitement, educate consumers, and elevate the visibility of beef across the state, offering a family-friendly experience that connects fairgoers to the farmers behind their food. This year, Beef Day highlights include:
- free cow ear headbands for the first 1,000 children through the Fair gates,
- an interactive booth near the Beef Barn sharing recipe cards, beef facts, and more with fairgoers,
- a presence at the Dairy Birthing Tent, where fairgoers can witness a live calf birth and learn about the connection between the dairy and beef industries, and
- the Supreme Show – one of the Fair’s most anticipated livestock events, featuring the best female cattle from county fairs across the state.
New York is home to almost 10,000 farms and ranches with cattle and calves, making the beef industry an essential part of our state’s agricultural heritage and economy. Beef is an excellent source of protein and supplies 10 essential nutrients, including B-vitamins, zinc, and iron that support an active and healthy lifestyle. Thousands of people—from cattle producers and feed manufacturers to equipment dealers and food marketers—play a role in bringing beef from pasture to plate.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets works hard to promote New York’s beef industry and connect producers to new markets. Additionally, the Department supports beef producers across the state through a variety of programs, like the Farm-to-School program, which helps connect producers with local schools, and Nourish New York, which brings New York foods to those in need through New York’s network of emergency food providers.
Additionally, the beef industry is part of the NYS Grown & Certified program, which proudly counts 86 beef producers as members of the program. NYS Grown & Certified promotes New York’s agricultural producers and growers who adhere to food safety and environmental sustainability standards.
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