Overview A Community Tradition
In addition to the Great New York State Fair, New York is home to more than 50 county and youth fairs that operate from July through the middle of September, with the Long Island Fair closing out the season. Local fairs provide visitors with family-friendly fun, great music, and delicious food. They also offer a unique opportunity to learn about local agriculture, including where our food comes from, and how it is grown, harvested, and marketed to the public.
The Department's Division of Animal Industry sets guidelines to help ensure the health and safety of animals at county fairs across New York, in addition to the Great New York State Fair. Animal health requirements for 2026 county fairs and the New York State Fair will be posted here when they are available.
Fair Health Requirements Bring Your Animal to a Fair
Are you bringing an animal from another state to a New York fair? Find out what you need to do in order to bring your animal to the fair.
Frequently Asked Questions Cattle Identification at Fairs
Have a question about cattle identification at county and local fairs in New York, or the New York State Fair? Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions below.
- Q1: This cow got into the fair last year with a metal (21) tag only, does she still need a scannable 840 electronic ID ear tag applied this year?
- Yes, all cattle require scannable electronic ear tag identification for entry into fairs in New York State in 2026.
- Q2: This cow has an ‘982’ scannable electronic ID ear tag, does she still need an 840 electronic ID ear tag put in?
- Yes, all cattle will need an official (840 for US animals) electronic ID ear tag applied.
- Q3: This cow has an 840 ear tag that is non electronic (not scannable), does she still need an 840 electronic ID ear tag?
- Yes, an animal with a non electronic 840 ear tag will need an electronically readable 840 ear tag in addition. Do not remove the non-electronic tag.
- Q4: This cow came from Canada and lost her official ID ear tag, what do I do?
- There are ‘964’ series electronic ID ear tags available from the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Division of Animal Industry. Please reach out to your local field veterinarian to learn how to get one of these tags. Do not apply any tag starting with ‘840’ as these are only for cattle born in the US.
- Q5: I have a different question, whom do I call?
- Try your field veterinarian, or reach the Division of Animal Industry main office line at (518) 457-3502.
Supporting Agriculture
Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program
The Department administers the Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program. This program awards county and youth fairs across the state with funding to offset the cost of improvements and renovation projects that support New York's agricultural industry.
The funding can be used to build, repair, replace, acquire, or install fairground buildings, facilities or equipment that are used to house or promote agriculture. To receive the funding, fairs must submit the scope of work and estimated budget for proposed projects to the Department.
A total of $20 million has been dedicated to revitalizing county fairs since 2016. For more information please contact us.
The Allegany County Fair
The Dutchess County Fair
The Saratoga County Fair
The Essex County Fair
The Washington County Fair
Resources
Fair Programs, Requirements, & More
The NYSAAF promotes and encourages agriculture, horticulture, and the domestic...
Regulations pertaining to animal health requirements for entry to fairs.
View the schedule of pullorum clinics for 2026.
The 2026 Great New York State Fair begins Wednesday, August 26 and continues...
Learn about youth and agricultural fairs in New York.
Get Involved County Fair Promotional Programs
Learn more about what the State is doing to help boost New York county fairs.