Upcoming Agricultural Events in the Northeast for Summer and Fall
From agricultural conferences to farm days and fairs, we have compiled the following lists of big agriculture-focused events in the Northeast from June to October 2021. While some events remain virtual, many return in-person for the first time since 2019.
In-Person in New York State:
NY Agricultural Educators Professional Development Conference 
June 21 – 23; 23 – 25 Oswegatchie Educational Center, NY
The New York Agricultural Educators Professional Development Conference aims to enhance the quality of instructional programs for secondary agricultural educators through in-service education with activity-based workshops that address the needs of constantly changing agricultural and agriscience programs. Virtual sessions are designed to both raise the scientific rigor of agricultural courses and provide middle, high, and postsecondary educators with new technologies and resources for their classrooms. Teachers attending this conference will receive up to 20 professional development hours. Participants can choose between two three-day sessions offered.
August 3 – 5 Palladino Farms, NY
Empire Farm Days is an exposition for everything related to agricultural enterprise and rural living. Exhibitors are prepared to talk about equipment needs, best growing practices, animal health products, and ways to enhance production and operational efficiency. This year will feature new equipment and new crop field demonstrations. Seminars will feature the expertise of soil health specialists, cattle handlers, horse trainers, and farm safety educators.
August 20 – September 6 Syracuse, NY
This fair will feature New York’s best food and drink, live music and entertainment, Midway rides, and agriculture education and awareness in four different, concurrent festivals that take place exclusively in the outdoor areas of the fairgrounds. Admission is $3 per person, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. The fair also features agricultural competitions across many subcategories, including livestock, farm products, and poultry.
In-Person in the Northeast:
August 10 – 12 Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center, PA
Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, held annually in August, is Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor agricultural exposition. With over 400 exhibitors from the United States and Canada, there is something for everyone to enjoy at no cost, as parking and admission are free. The show is hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and showcases educational programs, current research, and the latest innovations in agricultural equipment and technology.
Eastern States Exposition “The Big E” Fair
September 17 – October 3 West Springfield, MA
The Big E Fair is a showcase of New England culture, agriculture, and community. The Exposition has a 104-year history, and is excited to come back in-person after postponing the 2020 fair due to COVID-19 concerns. This year’s fair will feature a variety of agriculture events, including livestock shows and produce displays, in addition to 4-H competitions and food vendors.
Virtual Events:
Indoor AgTech Innovations Summit
June 24 – 25
The virtual Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit on June 24-25 will gather the world’s leading farm operators, retailers, food companies, investors, seed companies and technology providers to meet, network and cultivate new commercial partnerships. 350+ attendees from the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia will participate in livestream sessions, join roundtable discussion groups and connect directly through 1-1 video meetings and group chats. By sharing best practices from around the globe, and facilitating new connections and collaborations, the summit offers an invaluable platform to develop new business and accelerate projects across the Indoor AgTech ecosystem.
2021 North American Agroforestry Conference
June 28 – July 2
The 2021 North American Agroforestry Conference will bring together agroforestry experts from across the continent for five days of live presentations, brainstorming, and collaboration. Co-hosted by the Savanna Institute and the Association for Temperate Agroforestry (AFTA), this year’s conference theme is “Scaling Up Agroforestry for Carbon Drawdown”. The conference will bring together farmers, landowners, researchers, climate scientists, investors, philanthropists, policymakers, and global leaders on climate change, carbon drawdown, and agroforestry.
Northeast Organic Farming of New York Summer Conference
July 30 – August 6
The Northeast Organic Farming of New York Summer Conference is a virtual gathering of grassroots farmer and gardener minds to celebrate NOFA’s 50 year anniversary. Over 45 expert presenters will participate in this virtual conference over Zoom. The conference is a celebration of 50 years of Organic Farming and Food advocacy, and a look towards the next 50 years of work in the food system.
