The N.C. State Fair’s roots remain firmly in agriculture and its mission continues to focus on helping people connect the dots between agriculture and the food they enjoy, and the fiber and fuel we use. Be sure to look for the agricultural exhibits and activities at the Fair, Oct. 12-22.

• Last week we talked about some of the new things people can expect to find at this year’s State Fair.
• Plenty of people want to know what’s new, but this week I wanted to talk about the fair’s agricultural foundation and why agriculture continues to remain at the heart of the State Fair.
• Some people wonder why the N.C. Department of Agriculture is in charge of the State Fair.
• To understand our connection today, you have to dive into the history behind the State Fair.
• This will be our 155^th State Fair, but the very first fair was held in 1853.
• It was a four-day event that drew 4,000 people to Raleigh.
• It is hard to imagine that today, but that was its starting point.
• It’s goal was to be a venue to share new ideas and new technology with farmers to advance agricultural practices.
• That first fair would be a place where farmers would be introduced to purebred livestock, the latest farm machinery and scientifically based farming practices that would help improve crops and yields.
• According to the official North Carolina State Fair book, at that time, farmers still relied on a “combination of folklore, superstition and information gleaned from almanacs to determine when to plant, cultivate and harvest.” 
• The book also noted that few farmers fertilized their crops and those who did fertilize did not have much knowledge of the scientific application of fertilizers.
• It was a very different time then even in how information got to farmers.
• The First fair and several after that were organized and sponsored by the N.C. State Agricultural Society, of which Edith Vanderbilt of Biltmore Estate, was a member and served as the first female president.
• In 1928, operation of the State Fair moved to the N.C. Department of Agriculture, where it remains today.
• Moving forward to today, technology puts new information at our fingertips and farming has become a much more high-tech effort with auto-steer tractors, GPS technology to aid in managing crops and testing capabilities that can help correct growing problems.
• And, today, more and more people are two or three generations removed from the farm and grocery stores and farmers markets are the main places to buy food, which means understanding the connection between the farm and the table is less apparent.
• So, today the Fair’s focus is on helping people understand that connection and introducing North Carolina agriculture to new people in the state and those who are unfamiliar with our No. 1 industry.
• Agriculture is on full display and fairgoers will see North Carolina food and beverage products made here in the state in the Got to Be NC Pavilion in Dorton Arena.
• You will see the livestock competitions that highlight top quality animals and offer young people an opportunity to show animals they are working with and learn more about livestock selection.
• You will see the best fruits and vegetables grown on display in the Agri Supply Expo Center, including the giant pumpkins and watermelons that are a big draw.
• There is also a large display of honey and bee-related products in that building.
• We have daily milking demonstrations to showcase our dairy industry.
• Antique farm equipment shows us the tremendous advances made in farm production.
• Forestry and soil and water exhibits underscore the important environmental benefits we realize through the management of farm and timberland.
• Of course, all the food options at the State Fair just celebrates the success of agriculture in producing what makes up every food product we enjoy.
• And, for the third straight year, we will be recognizing the people behind our $103.2 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry as our Farm Family of the Day sponsored by the Tractor Supply Company.
• The Flower and Garden show highlights our green industry including nursery and floriculture production.
• You will also find North Carolina grown Christmas trees on display.

• And, you can see real crops growing beside Dorton Arena in the Field of Dreams exhibit sponsored by the N.C. Electric Cooperatives.  
• I hope to see you there Oct. 12-22 in Raleigh.