In addition to great food, eye-opening exhibits and commercial attractions, fairgoers once again got an up-close view at SUNY Morrisville’s innovative programs, one-of-a-kind learning and alluring draft horses during this year’s Great New York State Fair.
Faculty and staff stirred up interest during Agricultural Education Days, providing information about the college’s exciting academic programs and innovative learning going on inside and outside of SUNY Morrisville classrooms.
In addition to a butter-making demonstration, there was a soil and seeds agronomy display, milking simulator and a cow mannequin that’s teaching students how to rope cows for competition and branding. Attendees also saw some of the cool stuff happening in the Horticulture and Aquaculture Departments and learned more about the college’s new Agricultural and Clean Energy Technology (ACET) Center opening this fall.
Equine faculty and students competed with the college’s Belgian hitch, with Lily McGraw, an equine science & management student from North Tonowanda, taking third in classic cart, third in Belgian ladies cart and third in New York State ladies team. She also showed the open four-horse hitch.
Kazlin Beers, an equine science & management student from Fredonia, was first in junior team, age 15-18, second in New York State ladies cart, and participated in junior decorating and showmanship.
The college’s six-horse hitch placed eighth, was third in the Belgian unicorn and took grand champion gelding in the halter and conformation class. SUNY Morrisville is the only college in North America to compete with a six-horse hitch.
In the fair’s Horticulture Building, Nelson Farms Country Store sold select New York State food products, including its popular Cow Tippin’ Steak Sauce rebranded by SUNY Morrisville agricultural business students with Assistant Professor Scott Colby. Nelson Farms Heirloom Applesauce also garnered attention.
Additionally, the college’s Dairy Judging Team participated in practice judging for collegiate teams to prepare for their upcoming National Judging competitions and Dairy Club students assisted at the calf birthing center.