By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University made a strong impression at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair, reaching thousands of attendees with interactive exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and extensive Cooperative Extension programming. The University’s presence spanned livestock competitions, 4-H activities, and the Farm to Fork dinner.
For the first time, Kentucky State’s Mobile Health Unit was on-site, offering health screenings and wellness resources. One of three launched in partnership with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and local organizations, the unit underscores the University’s mission to improve access to healthcare across the state.
Inside the AgLand exhibit hall, the Land Grant Program booth became a major attraction. More than 1,000 Kentucky State bags were distributed, alongside recipes and fact sheets. Visitors engaged with research displays on aquaculture, aquaponics, pollinator health, hay testing, and nutrition.
Aquaculture demonstrations highlighted the University’s national leadership in inland shrimp farming, while a bibb lettuce aquaponics system illustrated sustainable food production.
Pawpaw research drew wide attention, reflecting Kentucky State’s unique role as home to the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw. This summer, the University’s collaboration with Ale-8-One produced a Pawpaw Ale-8, the company’s fastest-selling seasonal flavor.
Other crowd favorites included pollinator health exhibits, a honeybee photo cut-out, the Jesup wagon display on nutrition, and the University’s hay arch showcasing forage testing. A robotic goat milking station also drew steady audiences.
“The Kentucky State Fair is one of our most important annual events, and this year we were able to connect with more people than ever before,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard, Director of the Land Grant Program and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.
“Our faculty, staff, and students brought incredible energy, and their expertise made the booth a true hub of engagement.”
On the Farm to Fair Cooking Stage, Kentucky State experts presented pawpaw ice cream, shrimp dishes, and a healthy twist on the Kentucky hot brown.
Extension agents and 4-H leaders supported youth projects across Cloverville and livestock competitions, underscoring the University’s statewide impact.
“From health services and research displays to hands-on learning for youth, this year’s fair was a showcase of how Kentucky State lives out its mission to serve,” Dr. Bernard said. “We are proud of the impact we made, and we look forward to building on this momentum.”
Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education