Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture have announced more than $1.4 million in funding to support 80 local fairs and livestock shows across the state, including a grant of $15,336.66 for the Baxter County Fair Association.
The funding, awarded through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Fair Funding Program, will help cover operational costs, facility improvements, and livestock-related expenses. It’s part of the state’s continuing investment in agriculture and rural communities.
“Agriculture isn’t just Arkansas’ largest industry it’s part of our way of life,” said Governor Sanders. “The Fair Funding program helps showcase our farmers and ranchers and gets the next generation excited about agriculture while also being a great way for small town Arkansas to come together and have fun.”
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward echoed the governor’s statement, emphasizing the program’s importance in fostering youth involvement in farming.
“We’re proud to work with fairs and livestock shows throughout the state to highlight the importance of our state’s largest industry and provide opportunities for the next generation to participate in the industry that provides the food, fiber, fuel, and shelter that is critical to the daily lives of every Arkansan,” Ward said.
Funding Highlights
Among the top allocations:
Arkansas State Fair – $84,000
Arkansas Youth Expo $48,000
District Fairs and Livestock Shows Several received $54,000 each, including the North Central Arkansas District Fair and the Arkansas-Oklahoma Fair.
Locally, Baxter County, Fulton County, Marion County, Izard County, Stone County, and Sharp County each received between $13,000 and $18,000.
The program requires recipients to maintain strict financial accountability and submit annual reports to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Arkansas Legislative Audit.
For more information on the Fair Funding Program or to view the full list of recipients, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov.
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