Stay Informed

Although fried elephant ears and saucy barbecue are big reasons why many people come to the Indiana State Fair, which will be held Aug. 2-18, the event is significant to Indiana Farm Bureau for different reasons.  It is a time for INFB to emphasize to the public the importance of agriculture to Indiana.

Among other things, INFB leverages the state fair as an opportunity to showcase its support for Indiana 4-H. This year, INFB will continue two events that were launched last year: Animal Town and the Supreme Drive.

Animal Town will be offered daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will be located at the east end of the Hoosier Grandstand. This event fosters discussion on livestock species while allowing the public to interact with farm animals such as cows, goats and llamas. The Supreme Drive provides recognition to Indiana 4-H’s top breeding stock. The event recognizes the grand and reserve champion 4-H breeding ewes, along with dairy females and gilts. Recognition will be held in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on Aug. 11 at 4 p.m.

Fairgoers also are invited to visit the Farm Bureau Building for educational displays, activities, videos and exhibits. New this year is a youth display to educate children on Indiana agriculture. In addition, free popcorn also will be served daily from 12-5 p.m., courtesy of Preferred Popcorn of Palmyra, Indiana. These activities give Farm Bureau a platform to educate the public on the diversity of Indiana’s agriculture and provide visitors with an understanding of where a typical Hoosier’s food comes from.

Taste from Indiana Farms will take place the second week of the fair from Aug. 13-15. It is presented by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee.

With the goal of creating an impact, INFB returns to the fair each year to deliver programs that showcase its genuine commitment to agricultural education in Indiana.