The Iowa State Fair has strived to enhance agricultural production since its founding in 1854.
Iowa State Fair Chief Executive Officer Gary Slater speaks to the event?s early beginnings.
?The concept was: The State of Iowa would offer a premium to producers, so they would have more money to invest in breeding stock and seed corn/seed beans to improve the agricultural product along the way. Those premium dollars, though small, helped foster. Then, the spirit of competition we love became the tradition at the Iowa State Fair and in Iowa agriculture. Over the years, it has grown to what we think is one of the best traditions. Without the agricultural component, we would be one big festival,? Slater said.
As the Ag industry continues to evolve, so does its role at this popular event. Slater talks about new agriculture-related events coming to the 2019 State Fair. The first event he features is a 4-H and FFA livestock show.
?We put together a show, called Bacon Buddies, where we are helping young people who are physically challenged show livestock,? Slater said. ?I think this will be pioneering in the show industry, and am proud of it.?
Slater also speaks to a new event, which aims to better connect rural folks to urban dwellers.
??Have You Herd?? is telling people, who are not on-farm, why we trim hooves, trim hair and what we do to prepare them (livestock) for the show ring at the Iowa State Fair, which (also) includes working with them beforehand and taming them down to get them comfortable with the show atmosphere,? Slater said.
For a more detailed schedule of events, visit www.iowastatefair.org.
