Agriculture Exhibits
The S.C. State Fair’s roots are in agriculture.
Field crops such as corn, cotton, soybeans, peanuts, tobacco and wheat are grown on more than 1.3 million acres each year in South Carolina.
South Carolina residents annually compete for bragging rights and a blue ribbon with their home-grown produce, including apples, home garden wagons, large pumpkins and watermelons, Christmas trees, a shoe garden, sugar cane, sweet potatoes and more.
On Exhibit Dates: Oct. 11 – 22
Location: Ellison Building
Scarecrow Decorating Contest
The S. C. State Fair needs scarecrows to protect the fruits and veggies in the Ellison Building during fair.
Each year, family teams register to participate before the fair begins. The first five are chosen. 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. 14th 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.
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. The fifth general farm recognizes the importance of growing high-quality produce with sustainable agriculture practices.
Beef Cattle
Open and Junior Beef Cattle Shows are comprised of the following breeds: Angus, Charolais, Crossbred, Hereford, Gelbvieh/Balancer, Mini- Zebu, Red Angus, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Sim Angus, Simmental, and Zebu-Based breeds.
Show Dates: Oct. 19-21
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 Jersey.
Show Dates: Oct. 13 – 15
Location: Nutt Cattle Arena
The SC Farm Bureau Federation awards one $2,000 scholarship annually.
Dairy Goat
Junior Doe and Senior Doe Dairy Goat Shows are comprised of the following breeds: Alpine, LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, Oberhasli, Recorded Grade, Saanen, Toggenburg.
Show Dates: Oct. 21-22
Location: Swine, Sheep & Goat Barn
Junior Market Goats
The Junior Market Goat Shows are judged by the following divisions: Wether Does, Wethers, and Showmanship.
Show Date: Oct. 22
Location: Nutt Cattle Arena
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. 22
Location: Nutt Cattle Arena
The SC Farm Bureau Federation awards one $1,000 scholarship annually.
Sheep
Breeds shown: Cheviot, Dorset (Polled), Hampshire, Katahdin, Montadale, Shropshire, Southdown, all other breeds.
Show dates: Oct. 19-20
Location: Swine, Sheep & Goat Barn
Smallstock
During the fair, chickens are housed in the Smallstock Building along with bantams, rabbits, cavies, pigeons, turkeys, waterfowl, and wildlife.
4-H Poultry Showmanship and 4-H Rabbit Showmanship competitions are also held during the fair.
On Exhibit Dates: Oct. 11 – 22
Location: Smallstock Building
Swine
Open and Junior Swine Shows are comprised of the following breeds: Berkshire, Commercial Gilt, Duroc, Hampshire, and Yorkshire. Jr Market Hogs are judged on On Foot, Showmanship, Education, Record Book, and Final Placing.
Show Dates:
Jr. Swine & Open Swine: Oct 14-15
Swine Costume Contest: Oct. 15
Jr. Market Hogs: Oct. 17
Location: Swine, Sheep & Goat Barn
The SC Farm Bureau Federation awards one $1,500 scholarship annually.
The SC Pork Board and SC Pork Producers Association awards one $1,000 scholarship annually.
Youth Horse
Public is welcome to watch – Walk/trot arena race, Walk/jog pole bending, Speed event, Hunter Showmanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Showmanship, Western Horsemanship, Cross Rails, Hunter over Fences.
Show Dates: Oct. 13 – 15 Location: Abernathy Arena
