What Value-Added Ag Day Is
Value-Added Ag Center Day is a themed day at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron that puts the people who turn South Dakota crops and livestock into finished products in front of fairgoers. Visitors meet farmers, ranchers and specialty producers, along with agency representatives and associations that help the ag community grow. The day is sponsored by the Value Added Ag Development Center (VAADC), a resource for farmers, ranchers and specialty producers who want to create or expand value-added businesses. The 2026 day, Thursday, September 3, marked 27 years of the partnership between the fair and the program.
What You Can Do
- Meet producers: the Day Sponsor Tent hosts value-added farmers, ranchers, specialty growers and processors. Last year's lineup of about 20 vendors showed South Dakota meats, ice cream, produce, jams and jellies, salsa, flowers, grains and flour.
- Hear spotlight talks: short presentations run through the day. In 2025 they covered agritourism, USDA services for next-generation farmers and ranchers, marketing value-added organic products, on-farm poultry processing and regenerative products on a diverse farm.
- Watch local food demonstrations: held in the Horizons Hall Kitchen in 2025, including cut flower arrangements, a spinach crust demo, smoothie pops and bread made with diverse grains.
- Join the ice cream social: the annual closer at 3 p.m., hosted by VAADC and Your SD Dairy Farmers with Berrybrook Dairy Nook ice cream.
The 2026 Day at a Glance
| Time | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Value Added Ag Center Day activities | Day Sponsor Area |
| 10:30 a.m. | Salute to Veterans program | NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage |
| 3 p.m. | Ice cream social | Day Sponsor Tent |
| 8 p.m. | Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash, night two | Grandstand |
The same day also carries swine, sheep, beef, meat goat and dairy goat shows, plus 4-H exhibits open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Nordby Exhibit Hall.
Who It Is For and What It Costs
This day is for fairgoers who want to buy and learn about local food and farm products, and for producers who want to network with other value-added businesses and with agencies. No separate fee is charged for the day; fair gate admission applies. In 2026, gate admission was $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 6 to 15, or $8 and $4 in advance. On Thursday, veterans and active military got free admission (sponsored by Midwest Bath), and 4-H members got in free with a 4-H card, which can be obtained in advance at county offices.
Where
South Dakota State Fairgrounds, 1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 57350. A free park-and-ride shuttle runs from the Advanced Sunflower lot at the Huron Mall to Gate 3.
Questions
Do I need a special ticket?
No. Regular State Fair gate admission covers the day.
Is it only for producers?
No. It is open to every fairgoer, and the demonstrations and ice cream social are aimed at the general public as well as producers.
Who runs it?
The South Dakota State Fair and the Value Added Ag Development Center. In past years the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association has co-organized it.
Who do I call?
The State Fair office at (605) 353-7340 or (800) 529-0900.
Official Links
- 2026 State Fair event guide
- 2026 official State Fair schedule
- Hours and pricing
- Dakota News Now: State Fair promotional days
- 2025 Value Added Agriculture Center Day program
- South Dakota Specialty Producers Association: 2025 listing
Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
South Dakota's three marquee events are the State Fair in Huron, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City, and the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood.
State Fair
Held in Huron over Labor Day weekend: September 2-7 in 2026 and September 1-6 listed for 2027. 4-H and FFA members show beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits and poultry. 4-H deadlines are firm: enrollment May 31, ID and DNA June 1, YLL July 1, FairEntry August 1.
Black Hills Stock Show
Established in 1959 in Rapid City, listed for January 29 to February 6, 2027, with about 120 livestock, horse and rodeo events. Youth Day on February 6, 2027 offers judging, Skillathon, Hippology and a Beef Cook-Off.
Days of '76
A PRCA rodeo in Deadwood in late July, with free parades on Main Street Friday and Saturday.
Read the full guide: Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention
Held each year; the most recent dates were Dec. 10-11, 2025, the 110th convention. Family farmers and ranchers gather in Huron for policy sessions that guide the organization.
Huron, SD | Organizer: South Dakota Farmers Union Official event details - South Dakota 4-H State Horse Show
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 13-15, 2026. Youth compete in showmanship, equitation, reining, barrel racing and pole bending, plus hippology and horse judging contests.
- Beadle County 4-H Achievement Days
Huron hosted Beadle County 4-H Achievement Days July 27-29, 2026, where clubs such as the Wolsey Cardinal Clovers earned awards for project and livestock exhibits.
Huron, SD | Organizer: SDSU Extension Beadle County 4-H Official event details - South Dakota State Fair
South Dakota State Fair in Huron ran September 2 to 7, 2026, with livestock shows, 4-H state competitions, ranch rodeo and timed event rodeo. Held each year around Labor Day.
- South Dakota State Fair FFA Livestock Shows
Held each year; the most recent dates were Sept. 5-7, 2026. FFA members exhibit breeding and market sheep, meat goats, rabbits, swine, dairy cattle and dairy goats in the State Fair barns at Huron.
All South Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.