Maine’s Year of Youth in Ag is more than a title. It’s a commitment to supporting young people as they learn, grow, and lead in agriculture. One of the area’s memorable places to celebrate young agriculturalists is at the Big E Fair in West Springfield, Mass. This September, Maine’s youth will make their mark at the annual tradition. Whether they’re in the show ring, presenting, or cheering on their team, you can find young people proudly representing Maine.
Youth in Action at The Big E
Each year, The Big E brings together hundreds of young agriculturalists from across New England. Maine’s youth are a cornerstone of the state’s ag presence at The Big E. In 2025, Maine youth will participate in a wide range of competitions, displays, and demonstrations at New England’s largest agricultural fair. The festivities kick off with 4-H and FFA Day, Saturday, September, 13, 2025, which is also Maine Day on the Avenue of States.
4-H Competitions: Maine Pride in the Ring
This year’s 4-H competitors are participating in dairy, beef, and working steer events, which are ongoing traditions for generations of 4-Hers. Dairy goat and canine programs are also key events. These competitions showcase months of care, training, and responsibility. Along the way, 4-Hers are developing life skills. These events highlight animal handling and care skills. Coordinating animal health and well-being at the fair, skills competitions require time management. 4-Hers are learning other lifeskills too, such as sportsmanship, communication, and teamwork to achieve shared goals. Public speaking is a skill that requires practice, and there are plenty of chances to practice at the fair. It’s not uncommon for youth to be the public face of the teams. They are well-versed in their animals and agriculture. They’re ready at any moment to chat with a competition judge or a fairgoer.
FFA Competitions: Tomorrow’s Ag Leaders
Members of Maine’s growing FFA chapters are making their mark at the Big E Fair this year, competing in a variety of regional contests. These events highlight the diverse skills these students bring to the table. They offer students valuable opportunities to connect with peers and professionals from across the Northeast. It’s a chance for them to shine — both individually and as representatives of their schools and communities. The schedule is packed, with most events happening off the fairgrounds. Still, you’ll easily spot FFA participants on-site. Just look for the iconic blue corduroy jackets adorned with bright yellow emblems — worn with pride! Take a moment to chat with these students about agriculture. Don’t miss the FFA Stars Assembly and Awards, taking place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the Big E Circus Tent — a celebration of hard work and achievement after a busy weekend!
Competitions, Hands On Demos and Displays
The Mallary Arena and Colesium hosts a full schedule of livestock events, and Maine’s youth are proudly represented. Depending on the day, you’ll see young competitors guiding dairy heifers, leading beef cattle, preparing sheep for show, deftly maneuvering their horses, or managing teams of working steers. The competitions are a tradition deeply rooted in New England’s agricultural heritage. For generations, fairs were a key marketplace for farmers to showcase their purebred livestock and farm products. The top winners would be used for future seasons amongst farmers. Fleece of the highest quality, crops with fewer challenges, and livestock and equines with consistent pedigrees remain a goal of today’s farmers and equestrians. Young people learn this history throughout their projects. While these projects demonstrate a depth of knowledge, they also focus on the future. Youth play a critical role in sustaining and evolving Maine’s agricultural industries for the future.
Don’t miss the Big E’s Farm-A-Rama exhibits. There, fairgoers can see farm animals, hands-on demos, and youth showcase their ag skills to fairgoers who want to learn more about farming and food systems. In the New England Center, 4-Hers will take over the New England Center Stage to showcase their skills and talents to faigoers. Maine’s representatives are scheduled to participate September 21. YOu can watch presentations and informational demonstrations throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Future Starts Now
Just like nurturing a seed, or a young animal, it takes time and dedication to nurture tomorrow’s leaders. Youth agricultural involvement does not grow alone. An incredible network of mentors, educators, and leaders help guide their journeys. In fact, there are plenty of inspiring examples for today’s young people. From professionals and volunteers, to 4-H and FFA advisors and chaperones. Guidance, encouragement, and experience help ensure that Maine’s agricultural knowledge and values are passed from generation to generation — stronger each time. Be sure to stop by the Mallary Complex and the Maine Building to celebrate and support these future leaders — and join the community that stands behind them all year!
Supporting Strong Connections
Relationships are the foundation of a strong future for Maine agriculture and there are many ways to support young people. Follow some of these suggestions for how people can support young people grow their passion for agriculture:
- Mentor or Volunteer: Share your time, skills, or experience by mentoring through 4-H, FFA, or local ag education programs.
- Support Youth-Led Projects: Attend local fairs, shows, or markets and buy products or crafts created by youth in agriculture.
- Sponsor or Donate: Contribute to scholarships, project funds, or programs that help youth access training and resources.
- Celebrate Their Work: Recognize young people’s efforts on social media, at community events, or within your organization.
- Create Opportunities: Offer internships, job shadowing, or hands-on learning experiences on farms, food businesses, or ag-related enterprises. From farming and food to science, tech, and business — ag offers endless career paths.
Planning A Trip
If you’re looking to see these experiences for yourself, there are plenty of opportunities during the 17-day fair, between September 12 and 28, 2025 on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. Follow these helpful links to ready about different schedules and activities featuring young people from across the region:
