By Blake Jackson
The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, together with the Farm Journal Foundation, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County, has announced the expansion of the New York Voice of the Farmer Garden at the Great New York State Fair.
First introduced in 2023, the garden now features grain crops such as oats, barley, rye, and wheat, along with new vegetable varieties.
“As the oldest state fair in the nation, it’s no surprise that the Great New York State Fair has remained deeply committed to showcasing its agricultural roots," New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.
"The Voice of the Farmer Garden is one of our newer additions here at the Fair that offers visitors from all corners of the state and beyond opportunities to engage with our hardworking agricultural community and explore the wide variety of crops and food products that we produce right here in our own backyard. In just two years, the garden has already grown so much, and we can’t wait to see it continue to flourish in the years to come!”
“Since its origins in 1841, the Great New York State Fair has been a cornerstone of our state’s rich agricultural heritage," Fair Director Julie LaFave said.
"At its core, the Fair is about uplifting and showcasing New York’s tremendous agricultural community, and the Voice of the Farmer Garden is a great space where visitors can connect directly with farmers and learn about the industry. We’re thankful to all of our partners who helped make this happen.”
Located across from the Expo Center near the Goat Pavilion, the garden features over 45 types of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and pollinator plants. This year’s expansion includes sweet corn, delicata squash, and improved structures like cattle panels to support healthy crops.
Visitors can take self-guided tours with QR codes linking to videos from Farm Journal Foundation and CCE Onondaga, while Master Gardener Volunteers are available daily to answer questions.
Family-friendly features such as a scavenger hunt, corn wading pool, and toddler play stations return, along with a new attraction the “Wheels of Agriculture” game show and Trivia Tractor offering fun, interactive learning experiences.
The Fair runs from Wednesday, August 20, through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. Tickets and details are available at nysfair.ny.gov.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: New York, General