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We are halfway through the year which means it is time to celebrate Ohio agriculture at the Ohio State Fair! The Land and Living Exhibit is in conjunction with the Little Farmers Exhibit again this year as the Ohio State Fair continues to make improvements to the grounds. This exhibit gives Ohio Farm Bureau ambassadors and interns the opportunity to connect fairgoers to agriculture through interactive displays.  

The Ohio State Fair runs July 23 – Aug 3, 2025. 

Hear from the 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau State Fair interns 

Lainey Roberts, Preble County

What is your role with the Little Farmers Exhibit?

This summer, I am the lead intern for the Little Farmers Exhibit. I have spent my time planning all aspects of the exhibit, including each station and how it will run, assisting in hiring an ambassador team to staff this year’s exhibit, communicating and training these ambassadors, compiling schedules for each station, and so much more. I have also helped with planning next year’s exhibit for the new building, and taken site visits to many agricultural businesses and areas to spark ideas for the coming years. 

Why do you feel it is important to have the Little Farmers Exhibit at the Ohio State Fair? 

I feel that the Little Farmers Exhibit is an important part because teaching the younger generation where their food and agricultural products come from can help bridge the gap between the children who have grown up around the industry, and those who haven’t. Ohio is also deeply rooted in agriculture, and this exhibit helps foster appreciation and respect for farmers around the state. This exhibit will hopefully spark interest in agriculture, animal care, and science. I hope this exhibit will plant the seeds for our future farmers, veterinarians, agricultural educators, and other industry leaders. 

Why did you want to intern with Ohio Farm Bureau? 

I wanted to intern with Ohio Farm Bureau because I had just decided to switch my career aspirations from veterinary medicine to agricultural communication. I couldn’t think of a better organization to start down this path and learn more about the industry while networking with professionals than our state’s Farm Bureau! This organization stands at the heart of Ohio agriculture and advocates for the people and industry that keeps the world running. Growing up around the industry, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to educate the public, support farmers, and help shape policies to protect our rural communities.

Audrey Pinger, Clermont County

What is your role with the Little Farmers Exhibit?

My role this summer is to help with staffing, organizing and implementing the Little Farmers Exhibit, and training the staff who will be working the exhibit. On top of the Little Farmers Exhibit, I am leading the beginning steps of planning for the 2026 Land & Living Exhibit, where we will have a brand new building with new displays.

Why do you feel it is important to have the Little Farmers Exhibit at the Ohio State Fair? 

I think that it is so important to start educating people about agriculture at a young age, and Little Farmers helps to do just that! Young children are able to come and learn about where their food comes from, and they are excited to do it. This sort of education is just the beginning for bridging the information gap between consumer and producer; Little Farmers is just a great way to make that happen.

Why did you want to intern with the Ohio Farm Bureau? 

I have always found myself passionate about educating the public about agriculture, and Ohio Farm Bureau also values that. I worked for this program in the past, and I knew that it would be something that I was interested in having a stronger role in. This internship allows me to gain experience in planning and executing an educational opportunity that I am passionate about being a part of. 

Lilly Cappitte, Delaware County

What is your role with the Little Farmers Exhibit?

My role with the Little Farmers Exhibit is primarily focused on ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the day. This includes stepping in to help at individual barns when needed, engaging with fairgoers throughout the exhibit, and making sure each barn is well-stocked and organized throughout the day. I helped create an emergency procedures manual, and updated last year’s exhibit manual. Having served as a Little Farmers ambassador last year, I’m able to easily adapt and step in wherever I’m needed. 

Why do you feel it is important to have the Little Farmers Exhibit at the Ohio State Fair? 

I feel it is important to have the Little Farmers Exhibit to educate those who haven’t been exposed to the ag industry. A lot of fairgoers who come through the exhibit aren’t aware of where their food comes from, and this is the perfect exhibit to teach them about the industry in a very hands-on way. This exhibit helps people bridge the gap between the farm and their food. Not only does it teach the kids about ag, but their parents can learn as well.

Why did you want to intern with Ohio Farm Bureau? 

I have wanted to intern with Ohio Farm Bureau ever since my experience as an ambassador. Last summer, I originally signed up for morning shifts, but by the time my shift ended, I’d find myself asking if I could stay for the evening shift, because of how much I loved it. I had a really great experience, and working as an ambassador made me realize how much I value Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission and values. This internship felt like the perfect fit for me, and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue this summer.

About Little Farmers

This exhibit provides an engaging and interactive learning experience that covers various aspects of Ohio agriculture. The stations offer tactile learning experiences using simulated animals, real grains, gardening, machinery, and more! As children move from station to station, they will collect items to exchange for a prize at the Ohio Proud Farmer’s Market, the last stop of the exhibit. Bring your family to the Ohio State Fair July 23 – Aug. 3 and make sure to visit the Little Farmers Exhibit!

2026 Ohio State Fair Preview

Upcoming Events/Deadlines 

• Growing Tomorrow Grant – a grant designed for young entrepreneurs. Apply by July 31. 
• AgriPOWER, Ohio Farm Bureau’s elite leadership development program. Apply by Aug. 1. 
• County Volunteer Ag Literacy Certification Course. Register by Aug. 1. 
• AgriPOWER Alumni Summer Tour Day Aug. 13. Reunite with your AgriPOWER classmates in southeastern Ohio for the day and/or meet other alumni. Register
• Young Agricultural Professionals competitive contests – Excellence in Agriculture, Outstanding Young Farmer, Discussion Meet, Collegiate Discussion Meet. More information to come in the fall. 
• American Farm Bureau mini grants for Collegiate Farm Bureaus. Apply by Sept. 19. Contact [email protected] for application details.

Save the Date: 2026 Winter Leadership Experience to be held at Cherry Valley Hotel, Jan. 23-24, 2026.