Fairlea, WV (WOAY) – Long before the concerts and carnival rides, the State Fair of West Virginia was about one thing: agriculture.
The fair traces back to 1854, when Greenbrier Valley farmers first gathered to show livestock and produce, a tradition that predates West Virginia statehood itself. More than a century later, agriculture remains the foundation the rest of the fair is built on.
One of the groups keeping that message front and center is the West Virginia Farm Bureau.
“Farming actually built this country. Agriculture is the backbone of the country and always has been the backbone of the country. And it’s always important to have that food, fiber and fuel for the country,” said Steven Butler, administrator of the WV State Farm Bureau.
Butler says that same tradition still runs through the fair each August.
“State fair roots back to agriculture, still has its roots in agriculture. Just the shows, the animals. And then this Thursday we’ll recognize a heritage farm over here at the tent where we partnered with the state fair. Just a great opportunity to showcase agriculture across the state,” Butler said.
Keeping farms healthy and productive starts with the ground beneath our feet, according to conservation district supervisor Donnie Tenney.
“Everything comes from the soil. So if your soil is healthy, your plants will be healthy. If your plants are healthy, you’ll be healthy. So it all starts with the soil,” Tenney said.
Tenney says West Virginia’s conservation districts work directly with landowners to protect water, soil and other resources, and that conservation is key to continuing the state’s way of life.
“Whether you’re a farmer or whether you’re just a city dweller, whatever it is, it’s important to conserve the resources that we have. If we don’t conserve them, they won’t be here and then we won’t be here,” Tenney said.
The fair’s agricultural exhibits and livestock shows run daily through Saturday, Aug. 22.
