Since the very first N.C. State Fair in 1853, agriculture has been a cornerstone in the foundation. From the livestock shows and display agriculture to the competition artwork and fair game prizes, agriculture continues to be an ever-present part of the fairgrounds. Keep reading to learn about the obvious, and the not so obvious, places you can find agriculture this year at the 2025 N.C. State Fair.
Obvious Agriculture at the Fair
Livestock Shows
From pigs and cattle to turkeys and lambs, the livestock shows throughout the fair are a great way to learn about agriculture, especially the importance of our state’s livestock industry. Most of these shows take place in the Agri Supply Expo Center or the Jim Graham Building. The Hunt Horse Complex also offers a variety of horse shows throughout the fair, including a rodeo this year. On the final day of the fair, which is Sunday, Oct. 26th, the Jim Graham Building will host the Sale of Champions, where all the Grand and Reserve Champion winners from the livestock shows will be auctioned off to farmers and agribusinesses across the state. The money earned from these animals will go to support the agricultural education of the individuals who showcased the winning animals.
Display Agriculture & FFA Children’s Barnyard
The animals are always a huge hit for families during the N.C. State Fair! Whether you visit the FFA Children’s Barnyard near the Village of Yesteryear, or you check out the display livestock in the Agri Supply Expo Building, be sure to view the livestock animals up close and learn about their roles in the agriculture industry. From baby pigs and calves to llamas and peacocks, we’ve got it all for you to enjoy! Don’t forget to also check out the NCSU Dairy Milking booth and learn how to milk a cow for $5.
Field of Dreams
The Field of Dreams, presented by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, is an interactive exhibit where children and adults alike can learn about crops grown in our state, how to harvest them, and sell them at the market. Located behind Dorton Arena, the entrance to Field of Dreams beckons you to pick up a bucket and collect crops as you follow the path to the finish, including sweet potatoes and squash. At the end, sell your produce to the volunteers at the market to receive a special prize!
Commodity Booths in the Graham Building
Did you know that there are many commodity association booths in the Jim Graham building near the Tractor Supply booth? Stop by to learn all about N.C. Agriculture from the N.C. Pork Council, the N.C. Beef Assocation, N.C. Egg Association, and N.C. Soybean Association. Play the games to earn a prize!
Giant Pumpkins, Watermelons, and other produce
The Giant Pumpkins and Watermelons are an Instagram-worthy location at the fair, but did you know there are lots of other beautiful produce items on display as well? The Agri Supply Expo Center is full of impressive apples, sweet potatoes, squash, peppers, gourds and more, from farmers across our state and beyond! Additionally, the bees and honey area, located next to the produce, teaches about the importance of pollination in our state’s agriculture industry, as well as provides delicious honey treats for fairgoers to enjoy.
Got to Be NC Pavillion
Over the years, the Got to Be NC Pavillion has been in many locations, including in front of the Kerr Scott Building. For the last few years, however, it has taken over the inside of Dorton Arena with a Chef’s Stage, featuring local chefs and wines, as well as products from businesses across the state. All vendors located in the pavilion are members of the NCDA&CS’s Got to Be NC Program, which showcases products grown, raised, caught and made in our state. Learn about how products from the farm are used in every day products we enjoy, including nuts, soaps, popsicles and more. Don’t forget to purchase your Got to Be NC merchandise to showcase your N.C. Ag pride!
Smokey Bear and the N.C. State Fair Conservation Forest
Smokey Bear is an N.C. State Fair icon! Located in the N.C. State Fair Conservation Forest, Smokey Bear helps the N.C. Forest Service teach fairgoers about our state’s forestry, and its important role in agriculture. Be sure to check out all the forest service equipment, story time programs and more when you visit as well!
Hidden Agricultural Gems at the Fair
Tobacco Barn and Entries in Heritage Circle
Heritage Circle allows fairgoers to take a step back in time with hit-and-miss engine ice cream, a general store and the tobacco barn. On the first Friday of the N.C. State Fair each year, a tobacco stringing competition is held where teams from across the state compete for the best time and stick. The tobacco strung during the competition is hung in the barn to cure until the final day of the fair, when it makes an appearance at the Mock Tobacco Auction in Heritage Circle. As one of our state’s leading crops, tobacco deserves a spotlight during the fair and gets it’s moment through the barn, these events, and the competition entries, which are showcased in the glass cases in the Heritage Circle Pavillion.
Competitions Winners
From photography and artwork to cross stitch and crochet, the Commercial and Education buildings showcase the winners of many competitions during the fair each year. Did you know that many entries feature N.C. Agriculture? Check out some of the ones entered this year in the photos below, including a John Deere quilt, painted gourds, and clothing items.
Southland Dairy Milking Demonstration
The Southland Dairy Milking Demonstration, located between the Agri Supply Expo Center and the Jim Graham Building, is one of the free entertainment shows guests can enjoy each year at the fair! Not only will you learn about our state’s dairy industry, but also see a cow being milked. It’s a great way for kids and adults alike to learn where their favorite dairy products come from!
Fair Game Prizes
Everyone loves winning a prize at the N.C. State Fair, especially the younger kids! Each year, our game hosts have a variety of fun toys for people to win by playing a game, including many livestock stuffed animals. This year, the highland cow has been extremely popular across the grounds!
Flower and Garden Show & Butterfly Barn
The Flower and Garden Show might seem like an obvious showcase of N.C. agriculture and floriculture, but did you know that the gardens often showcase specific parts of our state’s agriculture industry, and the Butterfly Barn teaches on the importance of pollinators for agriculture? Stop by to see it all during your trip to the fair!
Food, food, and more food!
Last but not least, the food across the fairgrounds is an incredible showcase of the hard work of farmers across our state and country. From deep fried bacon to candy apples, farmers across our state are to be thanked for the ingredients that make up everyone’s favorite fair foods. Be sure to thank a farmer this year when you visit the N.C. State Fair and keep supporting local agriculture!
