Arkansas Department of Agriculture awards $1.4 million to fairs, livestock shows

Gov. Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture have announced more than $1.4 million in funding to support Arkansas’ local fairs and livestock shows.

The funding, awarded through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Fair Funding Program, will assist with operational costs, facility improvements, and livestock-related expenses at 80 different fairs and livestock shows across the state.

“Agriculture isn’t just Arkansas’ largest industry, it’s part of our way of life,” said Sanders. “The Fair Funding program helps showcase our farmers and ranchers and gets the next generation excited about agriculture – while also being a great way for small town Arkansas to come together and have fun.”

In addition to administering funds through the Fair Funding Program, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture plays a role in safeguarding animal health during all fairs and livestock shows. Last year, livestock inspectors spent more than 1,600 hours at fairs across the state and inspected more than 1,800 cattle, 1,400 hogs, 2,200 goats, 1,000 sheep, 7,000 poultry, 1,700 rabbits, and 470 equine.

The Fair Funding Program was established to preserve and promote Arkansas’ agricultural heritage while investing in the future of the industry. As part of the program, funding recipients are required to maintain detailed financial records and submit an annual report to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Arkansas Legislative Audit.

“We’re proud to work with fairs and livestock shows throughout the state to highlight the importance of our state’s largest industry and provide opportunities for the next generation to participate in the industry that provides the food, fiber, fuel, and shelter that is critical to the daily lives of every Arkansan,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.