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Interactive exhibits, mobile health unit, and statewide Cooperative Extension presence drew thousands

Kentucky State University 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’s 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’s 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 Kentucky State University 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’s pioneering role in inland shrimp farming through leadership provided by the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science. The University’s research helped launch Kentucky’s first commercial shrimp operations, including a Henry County farm recently featured in the Courier-Journal.

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’s leadership in sustainable agriculture.

Interest in pawpaws also surged. Kentucky State is home to the world’s 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’s collaboration with Ale-8-One, which this summer released a limited-edition Pawpaw Ale-8 that became the company’s 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 recently appeared on KET’s Kentucky Edition to highlight this vital research.

Other booth highlights included the Jesup wagon display on nutrition and community development programs, and the University’s 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’s work with small ruminants.

“The 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,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard, Director of the Land Grant Program and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. “Our faculty, staff, and students brought incredible energy, and their expertise made the booth a true hub of engagement.”

Cooking Stage Success
Kentucky State’s 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.
• 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’s 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.

4-H Youth Development at the Fair
Kentucky State University’s 4-H Cooperative Extension agents were especially active this year, mentoring youth and supporting competitions across the fairgrounds. Stefanie Back (Magoffin County), Amber Nagy (Carlisle County), and Bridgett Poteet (Edmonson County) each played vital roles in guiding participants in projects ranging from horticulture to country hams.

The University proudly showcased its 4-H Country Ham Project entries, where Kentucky State youth displayed their hard work and dedication. Dozens of hams were judged at the fair, reflecting the blend of tradition, science, and mentorship that 4-H provides.

At Cloverville, the fair’s signature 4-H exhibit space designed to resemble a miniature town, Dr. Shawn Gardner, Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, spoke about the importance of 4-H in shaping Kentucky’s youth. He emphasized how positive mentors can transform lives, helping young people develop critical skills, confidence, and a strong sense of community. 

This hands-on engagement at the State Fair highlighted how Kentucky State’s 4-H program fosters curiosity, responsibility, and leadership — equipping the next generation of Kentuckians for success.

Farm to Fork and Beyond
Dr. Bernard also represented the University at the annual Farm to Fork dinner, hosted by the Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. The event celebrates Kentucky-grown food and the farmers who produce it, bringing together agricultural leaders, policymakers, and partners from across the Commonwealth to highlight the importance of farm-to-table innovation.

And in a personal highlight, Deborah Lancaster, Dr. Bernard’s executive assistant, not only supported University outreach but also claimed a ribbon in the horse show, winning Reserve World Champion in the American Saddlebred World's Championship Horse Show.

“From health services and research displays to hands-on learning for youth, this year’s fair was a showcase of how Kentucky State lives out its mission to serve,” Dr. Bernard said. “We are proud of the impact we made, and we look forward to building on this momentum.”

By the Numbers: Kentucky State at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair

• 1,000+– Visitors engaged at the Kentucky State Land Grant Program booth
• 1,000– Bags distributed to fairgoers
• 3– Aquaculture features, including inland shrimp farming and aquaponics with bibb lettuce
• 2– Crowd favorites: robotic goat milking station and honeybee cut-out photo booth
• 1– Mobile health unit on-site, providing health information and services
• 4– Cooking stage demonstrations featuring Kentucky State experts
• 8– Cooperative Extension agents serving as judges, superintendents, and project leads
• 60+– 4-H entries overseen by Kentucky State Extension in Cloverville
• 11– Country hams entered by Kentucky State 4-H participants
• 1 – Reserve World Champion ribbon earned in the American Saddlebred division by Deborah Lancaster