By Andi Anderson
Visitors to the 2026 Ohio State Fair will have the opportunity to explore a major new agriculture attraction with the debut of the imAGine Ag exhibit. The interactive exhibit will be housed within the new Ohio Agriculture Center presented by Nationwide at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds.
Covering 75,000 square feet, the exhibit represents one of the largest agriculture education initiatives ever introduced at the fair. Ohio Farm Bureau worked alongside several agricultural organizations, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Exposition Commission, and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to bring the project to life.
The exhibit is designed to help visitors better understand where their food comes from and how modern agriculture operates. Through hands-on displays and interactive experiences, guests will learn how farming has changed over time and discover the many technologies and practices that support food production today.
Visitors will have the chance to speak directly with Ohio farmers and gain insights into important agricultural topics, including weather challenges, crop management, animal care, and agricultural technology. The experience aims to connect consumers with the people who produce their food while improving agricultural awareness among families and young people.
Adam Sharp, Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President, highlighted the importance of the initiative.
“The Ohio State Fair remains our most visible and valuable opportunity to elevate the story of Ohio agriculture. Through imAGine Ag, we will share this story with thousands of consumers and take our ag literacy efforts to the next level,” said Adam Sharp, Ohio Farm Bureau executive vice president. “Our hope is that the exhibit becomes every family’s new tradition and creates a space for investment in the next generation, where lawmakers can see the reality of farming and that everyone walks away with a deeper understanding of food and agriculture.”
The Ohio Agriculture Center will feature several additional attractions. These include the Taste of Ohio Café, offering foods prepared by Ohio agricultural commodity groups, the Ohio Proud Showcase, the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Animal Life & Learning Center, and horticulture exhibits and competitions.
The exhibit is part of a historic $400 million investment in the Ohio State Fairgrounds, supported by the Ohio General Assembly and Governor Mike DeWine. Agricultural organizations played a key role in advancing this effort, which is expected to benefit future generations involved in agricultural youth programs such as 4-H and FFA.
Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio, emphasized the significance of the investment.
“Fairs are a big part of our culture here in Ohio, and we recognized the significant need to invest in the fairgrounds and its agricultural heritage,” DeWine said. “During the Ohio State Fair, the new Ohio Agriculture Center will be a true showcase of our state’s ag industry. Whether a fairgoer is enjoying food from commodities in the Taste of Ohio Café, cooking pizza with my wife, Fran, watching the birth of baby animals, or flying a drone, they’ll see how agriculture impacts their daily lives in a fun and engaging way.”
The imAGine Ag exhibit will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the Ohio State Fair, which runs from July 29 through August 9. Through education, innovation, and engagement, the exhibit aims to create a lasting connection between consumers and Ohio agriculture while inspiring future generations to learn more about farming and food production.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-fair
Categories: Ohio, Education