Beef Day Special Activities Include Cow Ear Headband Giveaway and New Beef Day Photo Contest
The Great New York State Fair encourages fairgoers to celebrate Beef Day on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with special events planned at the New York Beef Council Tent near Gate 2 and the Dairy Cattle Building. Held in coordination with the New York Beef Council, this special day offers a full day of hands-on activities, education, and entertainment that puts a spotlight on New York’s beef producers and the importance of the beef industry to New York agriculture.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Beef Day is a special day at The Fair that brings everyone together to celebrate the beef industry. Fairgoers can enjoy fun hands-on activities, get recipe inspiration, and connect with local farmers to learn more about the role the beef industry plays in agriculture. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities.”
Fair Director Julie LaFave said, “The Fair’s annual Beef Day is the perfect day for fairgoers to connect with local food producers to learn more about New York’s beef industry. There are so many fun and educational activities for everyone to enjoy. I encourage everyone to join us on this special day and celebrate the hard-working farmers who make it all possible.”
Now celebrating its 31st year at The Fair, Beef Day aims to build excitement, educate consumers, and elevate the visibility of beef across the state, offering a family-friendly experience that connects fairgoers to the farmers behind their food.
Beef Day special events include giveaways, cooking resources, and a new Beef Day Photo contest. Fairgoers can pick up a free Cow Ear headband, while supplies last, at the New York Beef Council Tent near Gate 2 and the Dairy Cattle Building. Fairgoers participating in the photo contest can post a photo with their headbands along with the hashtag #BeefDay, tag NewYorkBeefCouncil and submit their photo through the Woobox landing page here.
New York Beef Council staff will be on hand throughout the day to connect with fairgoers, offer photo opportunities, and share recipe cards and resources featuring beef facts and cooking inspiration. Members of the New York Beef Producers Association will also take part in the Supreme Show in the Beef Barn, a much-anticipated livestock event. The Supreme Show showcases the best female from each county fair, celebrating excellence in cattle and the hard work and dedication of New York’s youth in agriculture.
Additionally, as Beef Day approaches, fairgoers can participate in the New York Beef Council's digital celebration by entering to win admission tickets to the Great New York State Fair, exploring beef recipes and cooking resources, and following along on social media for event updates and to join the Beef Day photo contest.
Ashley Scoones, Executive Director of the New York Beef Council said, "Beef Day is about celebrating the role beef plays in bringing people together. Whether you're discovering a new recipe, learning a new cooking technique, or simply enjoying time with family at the Fair, we hope visitors leave inspired to put beef on the menu and continue celebrating it long after Beef Day is over.”
About New York’s Beef Industry
New York is home to almost 10,000 farms and ranches with cattle and calves, making the beef industry an essential part of our state’s agricultural heritage and economy. Beef is an excellent source of protein and supplies 10 essential nutrients, including B-vitamins, zinc, and iron that support an active and healthy lifestyle. Thousands of people—from cattle producers and feed manufacturers to equipment dealers and food marketers—play a role in bringing beef from pasture to plate.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets works hard to promote New York’s beef industry and connect producers to new markets. Additionally, the Department supports beef producers across the state through a variety of programs, like the Farm-to-School program, which helps connect producers with local schools, and Nourish New York, which brings New York food to those in need through New York’s network of emergency food providers.
Additionally, the beef industry is part of the NYS Grown & Certified program, which proudly counts 93 beef producers as members of the program. NYS Grown & Certified promotes New York’s agricultural producers and growers who adhere to food safety and environmental sustainability standards.
About the New York Beef Council
The New York Beef Council promotes beef and veal on behalf of the state’s beef producers through education, marketing, and consumer outreach. NYBC is committed to connecting consumers with science-based information and the real stories of New York farm families. Learn more at www.nybeef.org.
About The Great New York State Fair
The Fair starts Wednesday, August 26, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. All concerts are included in the price of admission. Tickets are on sale now at The Fair’s website, nysfair.ny.gov. Packed with value, a single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment and The Fair’s award-winning concert lineup. In addition, a Frequent Fairgoer ticket option is available for $25.
The Fair continues to be one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, with admission remaining free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under.
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
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