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麻豆短视频传媒 left its mark on the 2025 Kentucky State Fair, engaging
thousands of visitors through interactive exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and extensive
Cooperative Extension involvement that spanned livestock competitions, 4-H activities,
and the Farm to Fork dinner.
For the first time, the University鈥檚 new Mobile Health Unit was on-site, offering
health information and services. The unit, one of three launched in partnership with
the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and community health organizations, reflects
Kentucky State鈥檚 commitment to breaking down barriers to wellness across the Commonwealth.
Inside the AgLand exhibit hall, the Land Grant Program booth proved to be one of the
most popular stops. Volunteers handed out more than 1,000 麻豆短视频传媒
bags, along with fact sheets and recipes, as fairgoers of all ages explored research
and Cooperative Extension programs in aquaculture, aquaponics, pollinator health,
hay testing, and community nutrition.
The aquaculture section highlighted Kentucky State鈥檚 pioneering role in inland shrimp
farming through leadership provided by the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science.
The University鈥檚 research helped launch Kentucky鈥檚 first commercial shrimp operations,
including a Henry County farm
Next to the shrimp display, a bibb lettuce aquaponics exhibit showed how fish and
plants can be raised together in closed-loop systems that conserve water and expand
food production. The display drew steady crowds and sparked conversation about the
University鈥檚 leadership in sustainable agriculture.
Interest in pawpaws also surged. Kentucky State is home to the world鈥檚 only full-time
pawpaw research program and the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw. That
leadership has grown even more visible thanks to the University鈥檚 collaboration with
Ale-8-One, which this summer released a limited-edition Pawpaw Ale-8 that became the
company鈥檚 hottest seasonal flavor on record.
Pollinator health was another popular draw. Young and old alike enjoyed taking photos
at a colorful honeybee cut-out, while University researchers shared updates on their
work to combat the destructive varroa mite. Kentucky State experts to highlight this vital research.
Other booth highlights included the Jesup wagon display on nutrition and community
development programs, and the University鈥檚 distinctive hay arch showcasing forage
testing. The Kentucky State hay testing lab, located in the heart of a major cattle
production area, uses advanced near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology to provide
farmers with prompt, detailed lab results. These results are paired with expert interpretation
and consultation services to help producers improve their hay and forage quality.
A robotic goat milking station also attracted steady attention, offering an educational
look at the University鈥檚 work with small ruminants.
鈥淭he Kentucky State Fair is one of our most important annual events, and this year
we were able to connect with more people than ever before,鈥� said Dr. Marcus Bernard,
Director of the Land Grant Program and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health,
and Natural Resources. 鈥淥ur faculty, staff, and students brought incredible energy,
and their expertise made the booth a true hub of engagement.鈥�
Cooking Stage Success
Kentucky State鈥檚 experts once again drew large crowds at the Farm to Fair Cooking
Stage. Highlights included:
- Sheri Crabtree (Horticulture Research and Extension Associate) and Matt Behrends (Research
and Extension Associate) with their always-popular pawpaw ice cream.
- Mason Crawford (Community Outreach Coordinator, Hardin County) offering a healthy
twist on the Kentucky hot brown.
- Dr. Marcus Bernard (Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources) and
students from the College showcasing a creative shrimp dish.
- Dr. Andrew Ray (Chair, School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science) and Joni Nelson
(Extension Associate and Manager, Center for Sustainability of Farms and Families) also
preparing a flavorful shrimp dish that highlighted Kentucky State鈥檚 leadership in
aquaculture.
Extension Agents in Action
Beyond the booth, Kentucky State Cooperative Extension agents played critical roles
throughout the 2025 State Fair:
- Stefanie Back (Magoffin County): Guided 4-H youth in horticulture and country ham
projects.
- Mason Crawford (Hardin County): Youth poultry judging, assistant superintendent.
- Allison Denny (West Regional Center): County ham speech judge.
- Jacob Hall (Barren County): Dairy cattle check-in, show ring duties, champion drive.
- Tyler London (Barren County): Red and White Holstein superintendent.
- Amber Nagy (Carlisle County): Judged 60 Cloverville 4-H entries.
- Bridgett Poteet (Edmonson County): Oversaw 4-H entries, including 11 country hams.
- Angie Swihart (Hancock County): Assistant superintendent and judge in needlework.
Members of the Kentucky State team were also active in the State Horse Show and the
Country Ham Day program, where they supported youth speeches, projects, and event
logistics.
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