New York State Fair features Voice of the Farmer Garden

The Voice of the Farmer Garden, a new exhibit at the 2023 New York State Fair, showcases crops grown prominently in New York.

The garden was planted in late July, about a month and a half late for many crops in the region. Cornell master gardener volunteers from the fair committee installed the garden, planting both purchased plants and plants they had started from seeds.

The weather was challenging, with windstorms at the end of July and the beginning of August wreaking havoc on the open gardens. Some of the transplants didn't take, but the volunteers were able to salvage most of the plants.

The garden features more than 35 varieties of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and pollinator plants. It is located near the exposition center and goat pavilion and offers a self-guided walking tour with signs providing information on the crop at each raised bed. QR codes provide further online details, including videos of farmers and other parts of the grocery supply chain.

Cornell Cooperative Extension master gardener volunteers and extension agents are on hand to talk with fairgoers about the exhibit, gardening, and agriculture in general. The area also includes a wading pool with shelled corn for children to explore.

The Voice of the Farmer Garden is the first garden of its kind at any state fair in the country. It is a great way for fairgoers to learn about New York's agricultural industry and connect directly with farmers. The program is slated to continue next year, and volunteers are already planning their exhibits for the 2024 fair.

Photo Credit: New York State Fair