Among funnel cakes, Ferris wheels and award-winning pumpkins, visitors to the Kentucky State Fair found the University of Kentucky.  

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment hosted an educational exhibit in AgLand, while Cooperative Extension Service personnel were involved in 4-H Cloverville, running livestock shows, judging competitions and more.  

“We have a strong relationship with the Kentucky State Fair Board and Kentucky Venues in making the State Fair happen,” said Rachel Guidugli, assistant extension director for Kentucky 4-H youth development. “All of our extension agents have a State Fair assignment.”  

In addition to hosting live events and competitions throughout the fair, Cloverville displayed award-winning work by Kentucky 4-H students. 

“Having the opportunity to showcase your work and your passion on a state level is transformational for a young person,” Guidugli said.  

Brandon Bell, agriculture and natural resources agent in the Metcalfe County Extension Office, has been part of the Kentucky State Fair for 21 consecutive years. 

“I have met a lot of new people, and I have made friendships that only happened because of the Kentucky State Fair,” Bell said.  

This and nearly every other year, Bell worked the Junior Dairy Cattle Show, a livestock competition for young Kentuckians.  

“Each year when I step into those green shavings in Broadbent Arena, it brings back memories, and I get to see the youth who are the future of Kentucky agriculture,” Bell said. 

In AgLand, which highlights the importance of Kentucky agriculture through exhibitors and vendors, the UK Martin-Gatton CAFE exhibit showcased resources and opportunities offered by UK. 

This year, the exhibit featured the Wildcat Pulling Team’s ¼-scale tractor and a landscape architecture educational display called “Homeowner’s Guide to Flood Recovery.” 

A video, posters and stickers celebrated the many careers in agriculture that UK helps students reach and that are vital to the industry and to Kentucky. Displays and handouts emphasized UK’s commitment to its threefold mission of academics, research and extension.  

“We are proud to be a part of AgLand, a long-standing tradition of showcasing the best of Kentucky agriculture,” said Nancy Cox, Martin-Gatton CAFE dean and vice president for land-grant engagement. “Our college is deeply committed to supporting the fair, and we extend our gratitude to everyone from the University of Kentucky who helped with the shows and exhibits, including our extension agents whose hard work is essential to the success of the animal shows. Their dedication is truly appreciated.” 

Learn more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and Cooperative Extension at https://www.ca.uky.edu/.  

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Writer: Bailey Vandiver, bailey.vandiver@uky.edu 

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