Agriculture Exhibits
Agriculture has long been at the heart of the South Carolina State Fair — and it remains a cornerstone of the Palmetto State today. With approximately 22,600 farms spanning 4.6 million acres, South Carolina continues to be a stronghold of agriculture production.
Each year, South Carolinians compete for bragging rights and a coveted blue ribbon with their homegrown entries including apples, garden wagons, giant pumpkins and watermelons, Christmas trees, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, soybeans, honey, wine and ore.
On Exhibit Dates: Oct. 8-19
Location: Ellison Building
Scarecrow Decorating Contest
The S.C. State Fair needs scarecrows to protect the fruits and veggies in the Ellison Building during the fair. Each year, fair officials put a call out for (the first five to register) family teams to help. On the day of the contest, families bring their creative ideas. The five teams are given one hour to construct their scarecrow and the agriculture staff votes on the winner.
Come watch the families decorate in person on Oct. 11th at 2 p.m. OR just drop by when you are on the fairgrounds to check out the results. All the fun is happening in the Ellison Building.
Beef Cattle
Open and Junior Beef Cattle Shows are comprised of the following breeds: Angus, Brahman (open only), Charolais, Crossbred and AOB, Gelbvieh/Balancer, Hereford, Red Angus, Santa Gertrudis (open only), Shorthorn, Simmental, Sim Solutions, Zebu-Based Breeds and Crossbreds, Miniature Zebu (open only), Steers (Jr. only).
Show Dates: Open Show: Oct. 16-17, Jr. Show: Oct. 18
Location: Nutt Cattle Arena
The SC Farm Bureau Federation awards two $2,500 scholarships annually.
Dairy Cattle
Open and Junior Dairy Cattle Shows are comprised of the following breeds: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Beef on Dairy.
Show Dates: Oct. 10-12
Location: Nutt Cattle Arena
The SC Farm Bureau Federation awards one $2,000 scholarship annually.
Please note: Dairy barns will be closed during milking hours on Oct. 10-12.
Dairy Goat
Junior Doe and Senior Doe Dairy Goat Shows are comprised of the following breeds: Alpine, LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, Recorded Grade, Saanen, AOP (any other purebred).
Show Dates: Oct. 18-19
Location: Swine, Sheep & Goat Barn
Junior Commercial Ewes
The Junior Market Goat Shows are judged by the following divisions: Wethers, Does, South Carolina Born Wethers, Showmanship.
Show Date: Oct. 16
Location: Swine, Sheep & Goat Barn
Junior Market Goats
The Junior Market Goat Shows are judged by the following divisions: Does, Wethers, Showmanship.
Show Date: Oct. 15
Location: Swine, Sheep & Goat Barn
The SC Farm Bureau Federation awards one $1,000 scholarship annually.
Junior Market Lambs
The Junior Market Lamb Shows are judged by the following divisions: Ewes, Wethers, and Showmanship.
Show Date: Oct. 16
Location: Swine, Sheep & Goat Barn
The SC Farm Bureau Federation awards one $1,000 scholarship annually.
Smallstock
During the fair, chickens are housed in the Smallstock Building along with Bantams, baby ducks, cavies, chickens, doves, pigeons, rabbits, turkeys and wildlife. Rabbits and cavies are judged pre-fair. All other animals are judged during the first weekend of the fair.
On Exhibit Dates: Oct. 8-19
Location: Smallstock Building
4-H Showmanship
4-H Poultry Showmanship and 4-H Rabbit Showmanship competitions are also held during the fair.
Open to youth ages 5-19, these contests focus on participants’ knowledge of their animal and their ability to show and handle it with confidence. Through this youth program, participants develop presentation skills while being judged on their animal knowledge and composure.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Location: Academic Avenue Field, behind the racing pigs
Swine
Open and Junior Swine Shows are comprised of the following breeds: Duroc, Hampshire, Berkshire, Yorkshire and Commercial Gilt. Jr Market Hogs are judged on On Foot, Showmanship, Education, Record Book, and Final Placing.
Show Dates:
Jr. Swine & Open Swine: Oct 11-12
Swine Costume Contest: Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.
Jr. Market Hogs: Oct. 13
Location: Swine, Sheep & Goat Barn
The SC Farm Bureau Federation awards one $1,500 scholarship annually.
Youth Horse
Watch youth equestrians showcase their riding skills, form, balance and control. Youth exhibitors are 19 years old or younger. The public is welcome to watch the following: arena racing, pole bending, barrel racing, speed event, hunter showmanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, cross rail hunter, ranch ground handling, ranch pleasure, ranch riding, ranch horse, cross rails, hunter over fences and equitation over fences.
Show Dates: Oct. 10-12
Youth Horse South Carolina Costume Contest: Oct. 11, last show of the day.
Location: Abernathy Arena
From Field to Fair
Featured daily in the Ellison Building
From Field to Fair promotes and uplifts South Carolina’s agricultural roots by combining agriculture-related resources with educational tools from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The program features several online games designed to teach children about farming and sustainability in a fun, participatory, age-appropriate fashion while adhering to key curriculum standards for math, science, social science, English and health. Guests can try their hand at these games at the From Field to Fair kiosks.
McLeod Farms
Featured daily in the Ellison Building
Visit McLeod Farms for a variety of South Carolina made and grown products and produce. McLeod Farms has been family-owned and operated since 1916. They specialize in fresh peaches, strawberries, blackberries, year-round produce, row crops, gift baskets, jarred products, homemade bakery items and family fun. This fifth-generation farm recognizes the importance of growing high-quality produce with sustainable agriculture practices.