Kathy Burns Earns Friend of the Fair Award

By Blake Jackson

Kathy Burns’ journey to Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Onondaga County began when she discovered an opening for a Master Gardener Program Coordinator. Drawn by the opportunity to combine her love of gardening with her experience working with people, she applied for the position and eventually became a key leader of the Voice of the Farmer Garden at the New York State Fair.

Burns dedication to agricultural education recently earned her the Third Annual Women in Agriculture Friend of the Fair Award. Nominated by New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave, Burns was recognized for her work helping visitors learn about agriculture, food production, and gardening through the Voice of the Farmer Garden since 2023.

“I’m genuinely excited for Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York Voice of the Farmer Garden,” Burns said.

At the garden, fairgoers can explore growing crops, learn about farming challenges, and gain a better understanding of where food comes from. Burns often answers questions about unfamiliar crops and uses real-world examples to educate visitors. “What’s a tomatillo?” is one of the questions she frequently hears.

“A lot of people just don’t know where their food comes from,” Burns said.

Burns intentionally leaves some pest and disease issues visible in the garden to create learning opportunities. This season, visitors could observe aphids on delicata squash and learn how 750 released ladybugs help provide natural pest control.

“I leave a lot of these challenges in the garden on purpose, just to show people, ‘This is what really happens in a garden,’” Burns said.

Beyond the State Fair, Burns coordinates the Master Gardener program, supports volunteers, and works with community gardens. She also participated in CCE’s Seed to Supper program, helping New Americans adapt their agricultural knowledge to Central New York growing conditions.

Reflecting on those experiences, Burns said, “That garden became like family.” She added, “That’s really what it’s about, especially for New Americans. You land in the middle of Syracuse with no friends, no family, but by the end of the season, you’ve found both.”

Today, Burns continues to connect people with agriculture through hands-on education, community outreach, and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s mission of providing research-based knowledge to communities across New York.

Photo Credit: cornell-cooperative-extension