Ohio State Fair’s 2024 Butter Cow Display Honors Elite Athletes and Celebrates Dairy Farming
Source: The DairyNews
The Ohio State Fair’s 2024 butter cow exhibit takes a unique turn this year, celebrating elite athletes and paying homage to Ohio's dairy farmers. Crafted from 2,000 pounds of butter, the display features not only the traditional butter cow and calf but also life-size sculptures of four top-tier athletes, including a track and field para athlete, a gymnast, a cyclist, and a high-jumper, each captured in mid-action.
Greg Conrad, a Pickaway County dairy farmer who milks a mix of 85 Ayrshire, Holstein, and Red and White Holsteins, expressed his enthusiasm for the annual event. “We’re thrilled with this display every year. As dairy farmers, we love the excitement around the State Fair," Conrad said. He likened dairy cows to super athletes, emphasizing the advancements in dairy farming that ensure optimal nutrition and comfort for the cows, mirroring the care and dedication given to elite human athletes.
The sculptures were created by a team of skilled Ohio-based technical sculptors, led by Paul Brooke of Cincinnati and including Tammy Buerk of West Chester, Erin Birum of Columbus, dairy farmer Matt Davidson of Sidney, and Joe Metzler of Auburn. The team devoted around 450 hours to the project, with 375 of those hours spent sculpting within the confines of a 46-degree cooler to maintain the integrity of the butter.
Jenny Crabtree, senior vice president of communications at the American Dairy Association Mideast, highlighted the parallel between the dedication of dairy farmers and that of athletes. “Athletes are dedicated to perfecting their craft, pushing their limits, and striving for excellence,” Crabtree stated. “Elite athletes become role models, inspiring us to chase our dreams and believe in our potential.”
This imaginative and engaging butter display not only underscores the craftsmanship involved but also serves as a tribute to the hard work and passion inherent in both sports and dairy farming.
The sculptures were created by a team of skilled Ohio-based technical sculptors, led by Paul Brooke of Cincinnati and including Tammy Buerk of West Chester, Erin Birum of Columbus, dairy farmer Matt Davidson of Sidney, and Joe Metzler of Auburn. The team devoted around 450 hours to the project, with 375 of those hours spent sculpting within the confines of a 46-degree cooler to maintain the integrity of the butter.
Jenny Crabtree, senior vice president of communications at the American Dairy Association Mideast, highlighted the parallel between the dedication of dairy farmers and that of athletes. “Athletes are dedicated to perfecting their craft, pushing their limits, and striving for excellence,” Crabtree stated. “Elite athletes become role models, inspiring us to chase our dreams and believe in our potential.”
This imaginative and engaging butter display not only underscores the craftsmanship involved but also serves as a tribute to the hard work and passion inherent in both sports and dairy farming.
