2024 New York State Fair Butter Sculpture
Dairy: Good for you. Good for the Planet
That is the theme of this year’s annual butter sculpture at the New York State Fair. The sculpture highlights one of the many ways that dairy farmers protect the planet while producing nutritious milk. It includes a blue river, which helps make the connection between consumer enjoyment and responsible dairy production.
Commissioner Richard Ball, Dairy Ambassador Evelyn Kersmanc and dairy farmer Mike McMahon
Meet the Artists
We are pulling back the curtains and taking you inside the refrigerated butter sculpture case with Jim Victor and Marie Pelton to see how the sculpture is created. They also provide some DIY sculpting tips for those who want to try it at home!
Recycling the Butter
Ever wonder what happens to the butter after the fair? It’s recycled and turned into renewable energy at a local NY farm! Learn more about it in this episode of This American Dairy Farmer.
Last Year’s Sculpture
Did you know that the Butter Sculpture, brought to you by New York State dairy farmers, was crafted from 800 pounds of butter over the course of 10 days by artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton?
Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off
The 2024 Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off will take place at the fair at 10:30am EST on Thursday, August 29th at the Chevy Court Pavilion!
Who do you think will take home the trophy this year!?
The 2024 winner is….
NewsChannel 9 ABC Syracuse!
Photos from previous year’s Dairy Shake-Off!
Must-See Attractions at the Fair
Dairy Day – August 29th
Undeniably Dairy Shake-off – The 2024 Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off will take place at the fair at 10:30am EST on Thursday, August 29th at the Chevy Court Pavilion!
Dairy Products Building
- Milk Bar – A New State Fair tradition for many is visiting the Milk bar for perfectly chilled cups of $.25 cent milk. The New York State Milk Bar Operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension will serve White and Chocolate Milk, on tap every day during the Fair.
- Butter Sculpture – The Butter Sculpture is a New York State Fair must see! The Butter Sculpture, brought to you by New York State dairy farmers, was crafted from 800 pounds of butter over the course of 10 days by artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton. It is one of the most iconic stops to visit at the New York State Fair.
Dairy Cattle Barn
- Dairy Cattle Shows – Youth and adult exhibitors will compete in their respective breeds and age divisions over the 13 days culminating with the selection of Supreme Champion of the New York State Fair! Show schedule can be found here.
- Milk Parlor Demonstrations – Throughout the duration of the fair exhibitors will milk their cows at the parlor located in the Dairy Cattle Barn. Be sure to stop by the barn for the schedule of milking times and to take some time off your feet to enjoy engaging farm videos at the milk parlor.
Dairy Cow Birthing Center
- 10 years running the NY Animal Agriculture Coalition will provide fairgoers the opportunity to see some udder miracles. Dairy Cow Birthing Center will provide a one-of-a-kind experience for their visitors. To learn more click here.
- LIVE Cow Chow – Learn all about a dairy cow’s diet in a live demo! Did you know that TMR stands for Total Mixed Ration? This is how farmers feed their cows and make sure that they have a balanced diet. Farmers have a nutrition specialist who measure and weigh different ingredients to ensure cows are getting the right amount of nutrients.
- Not able to attend the live event? Then be sure to watch it LIVE on our Facebook page HERE.
Relive the State Fair at Home
The fair doesn’t have to end once you go home! One of our favorite parts of the fair is the food! Relive it at home with these recipes, courtesy of our friends at Savor Recipes.
