Kentucky State Brings Hands-On Agriculture to 2026 State Fair
Interactive AgLand exhibit highlights University research, Cooperative Extension, forestry, and food production
Kentucky State University is bringing agricultural education to life at the 2026 Kentucky State Fair, inviting visitors to explore the research, outreach, and hands-on learning that support communities across the Commonwealth.
The University’s Land Grant Program exhibit is located in AgLand in South Wing A of the Kentucky Exposition Center. The fair runs Aug. 20-30 in Louisville.
Visitors can find the Kentucky State booth beneath the University’s green and gold banner near the Kentucky Beef Council exhibit.
The exhibit combines educational materials with interactive features designed for visitors of all ages. Displays highlight Kentucky State programs in areas including horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, food production, and agricultural safety.
Pawpaw trees and educational materials introduce visitors to the University’s nationally recognized research involving North America’s largest native tree fruit. Kentucky State has conducted pawpaw research for more than three decades and serves as the home of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw.
That research has reached a growing audience through Kentucky State’s collaboration
with Ale-8-One. Pawpaw Ale-8 returned for a second summer in July, pairing the company’s
signature ginger and citrus flavor with the tropical character of pawpaw. That research
has reached a growing audience through Kentucky State’s collaboration with Ale-8-One.
Pawpaw Ale-8 returned for a second summer in July, pairing the company’s signature
ginger and citrus flavor with the tropical character of pawpaw. The expanded seasonal
release builds on the success of the beverage’s 2025 debut and highlights University
research involving pawpaw cultivation, genetics, storage, and commercialization.
Forestry displays emphasize safe practices and the equipment used when working in wooded environments. Other features include live plants, fish, and a chicken tractor.
The popular model milking cow also returns, giving children and adults alike an opportunity to try their hand at milking while learning more about dairy production. Always a favorite interactive feature, the cow has already attracted a steady stream of fairgoers to the Kentucky State exhibit.
Faculty and staff members will be available throughout the fair to answer questions, distribute educational materials, and connect visitors with Kentucky State research and Cooperative Extension resources.
The University’s participation extends beyond the AgLand booth. Kentucky State faculty and staff members are involved in activities across the fairgrounds, including agricultural and livestock events, meetings, demonstrations, and youth programs.
The annual fair provides Kentucky State with an opportunity to share its work directly with farmers, families, young people, and community partners from throughout the Commonwealth. In 2025, the University engaged more than 1,000 visitors at its Land Grant Program booth while showcasing work in aquaculture, aquaponics, pawpaw research, pollinator health, forage testing, nutrition, and small-ruminant production.
The 122nd Kentucky State Fair continues through Sunday, Aug. 30. For schedules, admission information, and fair hours, visit kystatefair.org.
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