Local & district fairs receive support grants

LITTLE ROCK — Governor Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture today 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 Governor 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.”

“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.

The fairs and livestock shows receiving funding are:

Nevada County Fair – $16,208.76

Hempstead Co Fair Association – $13,455.46

Howard County Fair and Livestock – $13,642.83

Lafayette County Fair & Livestock – $13,347.23

Little River Co Fair Association Inc – $14,962.23

Miller County Fair Association – $11,761.33

Pike County Fair Association – $13,169.20

Sevier County Fair – $13,798.67

Four States Fair – $54,000.00

Southwest Arkansas District – $54,000.00

Southwest Arkansas District – $5,400.00

In addition to administering funds through the Fair Funding Program, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture plays a vital role in safeguarding animal health during all fairs and livestock shows. Last year alone, 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. For more information on the Fair Funding Program, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov.