With just two weeks until the Iowa State Fair opens, excitement is building for one of Iowa’s signature summer traditions. As county fair season begins to wind down, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says those local fairs continue to connect Iowans with agriculture while helping young people develop skills that last well beyond the show ring.
Naig says county fairs give thousands of young exhibitors the chance to learn responsibility, dedication, and sportsmanship while also providing many fairgoers with one of their closest connections to modern agriculture. As those local fairs wrap up, attention is beginning to shift to the Iowa State Fair, which opens August 13 in Des Moines.
This year’s Iowa State Fair will feature an America 250 theme with patriotic displays, activities, and events throughout the fairgrounds. Naig says he’s looking forward to taking part in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show and especially the annual Century and Heritage Farm ceremony, where a record number of Heritage Farms will be recognized. The event honors Century Farms, which have remained in the same family for at least 100 years, and Heritage Farms, which have been family-owned for 150 years. Naig says recognizing those families is one of the highlights of his year.
