A press conference took place Sunday, August 31 in the Show Ring of the Columbia County Fair to announce a capital construction project in the agricultural area of the Fairgrounds.
Members of the Board of the Columbia County Agricultural Society outlined a plan to replace the cattle barns, which are approaching 100 years old, with a state of the art facility that will include a unique educational center.
Director Brian Lossow, project manager, described the scope and features of the new building. Aside from housing beef and dairy cows and some sheep, the 16,000 square foot structure will include exhibits and hands-on demonstrations related to the agricultural industry and production of food. “We are especially excited about a visitor walkway through the barns and updated milking parlor,” he said.
Director Caroline Lafferty pointed out the advantage of the multi-purpose design of the structure. “This new clear-span building will allow us to use the barns year round for shows and lend itself to other uses with its sixteen foot ceiling.”
Assembly Member Didi Barrett was present, along with Assemblyman Scott Bendett and Jose Torres, representing New York state Senator Michelle Hinchey. Others included Chatham Supervisor Donal Collins, Ghent Supervisor Craig Simmons, Kinderhook Supervisor Timothy Ooms, and Ryan Skoda, Supervisor for the Town of Taghkanic. Lisa Gallina, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension and valuable partner during the annual Fair, joined a large group of 4-H families to stand in support of the barn replacement.
Assembly Member Barrett said “This project is really for the kids and a way to build the future of agriculture”, referring to the robust 4-H program which has been life-changing for generations of Columbia County youngsters. Assemblyman Bendett pointed out that fairs are an opportunity to educate the public and this project will greatly enhance that effort.
A timeline has been established that calls for groundbreaking in September 2026 with completion anticipated in the spring of 2027.
Approximately $230,000 of the estimated $790,000 cost to create the new building complex has already been raised by the Agricultural Society. The assistance of local, state, and federal resources is being sought to help cover the demolition of existing structures and build and equip the new facility. However, a fundraising campaign will be necessary to complete the project and community support will be key to the success of this project. Check the Barn Replacement Project page on our website and reach us at 518-444-3247 or info@Columbiafair.com if you would like to help.
