LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Many Kentuckians are heading to the Kentucky State Fair to showcase their dedication to agriculture. According to the Kentucky Agriculture Statistics 2021 Annual Bulletin, nearly one billion pounds of milk was produced by cows in the state in 2020. 

Center, Kentucky resident, Tyler London, is doing some last-minute preparation to make his four year old dairy cow, Doc, look spotless. But this little touchup is backed by many hours of hard work. 

“I would say the hardest part of it all is the labor, and the time put in to get this point,” London said. 

The 22 year-old says showing cattle is expensive and includes routine tasks including milking, cleaning that stalls out and washing. 

“It’s not just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle to most dairy farmers.”

London has been showing cattle since he was a kid, and this state fair is the last year he will be competing in the junior category. But, he still has strong emotions going into the event.

 “This is kind of the grand finale for all of Kentucky. It’s what everybody looks forward to at the end of the year, coming to the state fair and seeing all their hard work pay off.”

Eleven year old Mark Jones from Central Kentucky is showing his cow, Ellie.

“She does really good in shows. The judge likes her. She gets a little wild sometimes, but she’s usually good,” Mark said. 

 So far, Mark said his competition this year is going better than last. 

And with a blue ribbon hanging out of his back pocket, results are showing proof of London’s hard work too. 

“That’s for the red heifer winning her class first place,” London said.  

The Kentucky State Fair runs until Aug. 27.