Ind. Dept. of Agriculture releases state fair event schedule

INDIANAPOLIS (July 31, 2018) – The 2018 Indiana State Fair kicks off this Friday and runs through Aug. 19. To showcase agriculture’s importance, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture is hosting a variety of events around the fairgrounds this year.

Friday, Aug. 10

What: Hoosier Homestead Award ceremony
When: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Indiana Farm Bureau Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Details: Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and ISDA Director Bruce Kettler will present 88 longtime farm families with the Hoosier Homestead Award.

Monday, Aug. 13

What: Certified Livestock Producer awards luncheon
When: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Farm Bureau Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Details: ISDA will recognize the newest members of the Certified Livestock Producer program, which was created to distinguish livestock farmers that are going above and beyond in their farm practices and procedures.

Wednesday, Aug. 15

What: Diversity in Agriculture Day
When: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Where: The event will start at the Glass Barn. Click here to see the full agenda.
Details: Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and ISDA Director Bruce Kettler will welcome students involved in agricultural programs to the fairgrounds to learn about careers in agriculture from industry leaders.

Thursday, Aug. 16

What: Lt. Governor’s Celebration of Agriculture
When: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Normandy Barn (second floor) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Details: The ceremony will include the presentations of the Lt. Governor’s Agrivision Award, the Purdue Women in Agriculture Awards, the John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation and the winners of the 2018 ISDA Photo Contest.

Friday, Aug. 17

What: Indiana Grown Culinary Competition
When 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Indiana Arts building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Details: The competitors will come up with delicious dishes using a variety of Indiana Grown products. Judging begins at 1:00 p.m., and the top three dishes will receive a cash prize.

In addition to these events, ISDA’s director and staff will be conducting listening session with members of Indiana’s agricultural community, as well as supporting four main locations around the fairgrounds: Normandy Barn, Purdue Extension Agriculture Horticulture Building, Indiana FFA Pavilion and Pathway to Water Quality. 

To learn more about ISDA at the Indiana State Fair, please visit www.in.gov/isda/2336.htm.