Submitted Photo The North Dakota State Fair offers 46,000 Agricultural exhibits for attendees to see and enjoy.

Every year the North Dakota State Fair brings days filled with rides, food, concerts, entertainment and over 46,000 agricultural exhibits for North Dakotans and guests to enjoy. A nine-day event filled with entertainment and fun, the North Dakota State Fair staff works hard to also provide a chance for people to learn and experience something new that is deeply rooted in North Dakota.

The over 46,000 agricultural exhibits are seen as one of the most important parts of the fair to many, providing not only a special look at different animals, equipment and stories of those involved in the agriculture of North Dakota, but also as an extremely large educational opportunity for all ages.

The State Fair hosts two different types of agricultural exhibits every year. The first type is the commercial exhibits that feature a variety of things being sold and includes the many large tractors, combines and other machinery that is displayed around the fairgrounds.

The second is the competition exhibits that historically are very popular with fair attendees. These include animals, crops and more.

“People love animals,” said Renae Korslien, manager of the State Fair. “Small children love the animals. They love to touch, smell and ask about them and many people in the barns want to tell their story and about the animals.”

Every barn is filled with animals. People bring in different types of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and more each year. Each animal has a use or provides something interesting and the many barns give fair attendees a chance to not only see the animals but learn what each type is used for.

“We have to teach the people about that. They have no other way of learning like this except through us and we have to do our very best to educate them,” Korslien said. “It’s all about education.”

With over 46,000 different exhibits, the State Fair brings in a large list of things related to agriculture. Animals are brought in for three different classes known as Open Class, FFA and 4-H, with FFA and 4-H specifically geared to give children of various ages a chance to take part in Agriculture in a variety of different ways.

“That’s a huge number and I get to sit in my office and I get to watch these kids as they unload their animals a few days before as they’re bringing them in and their smile is from ear to ear,” explained Korslien. “They have worked all year, all month, probably really late the last couple of nights before entry deadline, and they’re really proud of what they’ve done, but the best part is somebody helped them with that. Moms, dads, grandma or grandpa, a 4-H leader, an FFA advisor, somebody got to spend quality time with that person.”

All of North Dakota takes part in these exhibits with 52 out of the 53 counties taking part. From far and near, people bring in their exhibits of animals, produce and more to be featured.

Each year also features new stories. Every year poses new things that farmers will go through.

“What did they have to go through this winter to make sure their calves were born safely during a storm? What do they do during a drought when they can hardly get any hay but they have to feed those animals. They’re all susceptible to the weather, to the price or to someone else. It’s encouraging to hear their stories,” Korslien said.

Every year the animal exhibits are always popular from baby goats to pigs to large draft horses and beyond. Korslien says that baby animals are always a big hit for exhibits.

Of course there is more to the agricultural exhibits than just the animals. Another big aspect is the grain and forage, field crops, and other plants and items that are brought in to be featured and to show what different items go toward.

“It comes alive for people when they can see that these crops are used to make their bread and cakes and see fruits and vegetables that we eat everyday,” Korslien said.

Each year the NDSF plants a plot of land filled with various plants such as flax, canola, sunflower, corn, potatoes and such. The field, according to Korslien, is a great way to introduce different plants and what they are used for to kids and adults alike.

“We love planting that crop plant and we have great helpers with us from the NDSU Extension and the Granville FFA,” Korslien said.

With 650 different exhibit spaces, the State Fair takes their agricultural exhibits very seriously. Even the many free stages placed around the fairgrounds will have a touch of agriculture whether it be someone speaking about different agriculture programs or other animal shows that give attendees a chance to learn something new.

“We need to continue to educate the public regarding agriculture as it is important to all to learn and understand where our food comes from,” explained Korslien. “Agriculture has a great impact to the economy of our city, state and nation.”

The 2019 North Dakota State Fair will take place July 19-27. People can visit their site at ndstatefair.com to see the different attractions and upcoming entertainment that will take place.