Dairy is on full display in all of its versatility in the culinary treats that fair food has to offer. From savory to sweet, state fair season is a time when the dairy industry has a chance to showcase its range of products. If we look at statistics from just a handful of state fairs, it is a part of the success story of dairy consumption’s year-over-year growth.
- The Wisconsin State Fair serves 400,000 cream puffs, using approximately 55,000 cups of cream and 3,500 pounds of butter.
- Minnesota State Fair goes through roughly 112,000 pounds of cheese curds annually, and the “All You Can Drink” stand serves about 26,000 gallons of milk during the course of the fair.
- Iowa State Fair uses 600 pounds of butter just for its signature “Butter Cow” sculpture.
- New York State Fair serves nearly 15,000 gallons of milk during its run, nearly 12,000 gallons of which are chocolate.
- Nebraska State Fair reportedly goes through more than 10,000 gallons of milk.
An untold amount of ice cream cones, sour cream-laden baked potatoes, and whipped cream-topped funnel cakes will also be served as fairgoers take in what the fair has to offer. For dairies that are exhibiting cattle at the fairs, there is once again an opportunity for participating youth and adults to connect with fair attendees. While fairgoers may not see it on the surface, these occasions allow the dairy industry to connect these treats with the dairy farms, industry, and the dairy cow — and showcase them as the reason we get to enjoy these state fair staples, and for this and all parts of this dairy supply remain thankful.
