Ohio fair butter sculptures shine

By Andi Anderson

This week at the Ohio State Fair, visitors can marvel at an impressive display of 2,000 pounds of butter sculpted into cows and elite athletes.

This annual tradition honors Ohio’s dairy industry and the Olympic spirit, providing a unique visual celebration of the state's agricultural heritage.

Ohio is home to around 1,400 dairy farmers who collectively produce approximately 650 million gallons of milk each year. Scott Higgins, president and CEO of the American Dairy Association Mideast, emphasizes the significant economic impact of the dairy industry on rural communities.

"From our producers to our processor manufacturers, the dairy industry contributes $35 billion to Ohio's economy," Higgins states. "We represent about 136,000 jobs in Ohio alone."

Ohio ranks 11th in dairy production nationwide. Across the United States, the dairy industry supports over 3 million jobs and generates an economic impact of around $793 billion, according to the American Dairy Association.

The butter sculptures at the fair were created by a talented team led by Paul Brooke from Cincinnati. Jenny Crabtree, senior vice president of communications for the American Dairy Association Mideast, highlights the fair as an excellent platform to showcase the artistry and celebrate Ohio's dairy farmers.

"Ohio's dairy farmers have been an integral part of the Ohio State Fair for many years," Crabtree explains. "It's a tradition they are immensely proud of."

Higgins notes that the dairy industry supports a wide range of local jobs, from tire repair and feed sales to various farmer services. These roles are essential in maintaining the economic fabric of local communities.

He also stresses the importance of technical knowledge in processing and manufacturing for the future of the dairy industry and encourages the next generation of Ohioans to consider careers in dairy.

"The dairy industry is vital to our local communities," Higgins observes. "Many people rely on jobs or services needed by these farms to keep the business running smoothly."

The butter sculptures at the Ohio State Fair not only highlight the state's rich dairy heritage but also underscore the significant economic and social contributions of the dairy industry.

As visitors admire the intricate butter creations, they are reminded of the hard work and dedication of Ohio's dairy farmers and the important role they play in the state's economy and community life.

Photo Credit: ohio-state-fair