American Dairy Association North East Unveils 57^th Annual Sculpture

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The curtain has dropped, revealing the 57^th Annual American Dairy Association North East Butter Sculpture at the New York State Fair, sponsored by Wegmans. This year's display, titled "Dairy For Good: Nourish. Grow. Thrive.," celebrates the joy and nourishment dairy provides at every stage of life — and is inspired by the 125th Anniversary of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its local New York author, L. Frank Baum.

The centerpiece is a whimsical hot air balloon, emblazoned with the phrase "Dairy Defies Gravity," soaring above a winding path that charts life's journey. Along the way, three butter figures show how dairy powers every chapter — from the very start: a pregnant woman with a glass of milk, a six-month-old enjoying yogurt, and a toddler savoring a piece of cheese.

"This year's butter sculpture beautifully showcases the power of dairy nutrition," said John Chrisman, CEO of American Dairy Association North East. "The craftsmanship captures not just a scene, but a story — from nourishing mothers and helping babies grow to supporting thriving toddlers, dairy provides essential nutrients every step of the journey."

Dairy farmer Jaime Mowry from Mowacres Farms II in LeRoy, NY, marveled at the sculpture. "It's such a fun and creative way to share an important message. As a mom, I know how critical it is to give kids a healthy start, and milk, cheese, and yogurt are everyday staples in our home. Seeing that message come to life in butter — complete with so many surprising details — makes it all the more memorable."

Richard A. Ball, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner noted, "Unveiling the Butter Sculpture is one of my favorite traditions at The Fair and a wonderful way to honor the dairy farmers who work tirelessly to feed our families and bring wholesome products to our communities every day. The Butter Sculpture also provides a unique and fun way to introduce fairgoers to and educate them about New York dairy. From the family farms that fuel our economy to the essential nutrients milk provides, dairy plays a fundamental role in keeping us strong and well-nourished."

"Wegmans is proud to sponsor this year's Butter Sculpture, which is such an integral part of the New York State Fair," said Evelyn Ingram, Director of Community Relations at Wegmans Food Markets. "We are delighted to once again be a participant in this long-standing tradition."

Artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania constructed the sculpture over an 11-day period onsite using more than 800 pounds of butter from O-AT-KA Milk Products in Western New York. This is the fourth straight year color has enhanced the artistry of the sculpture.

Following The Fair, the butter will be recycled in nearby Linwood, N.Y., at Noblehurst Farms, now celebrating their 10th anniversary of transforming the sculpture into renewable energy. Over the past decade, Noblehurst has recycled a total of 8,000 pounds – or four tons – of butter, preventing it from ending up in a landfill while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating enough energy to power one home for about one month.

The sculpture is on display in the Dairy Products Building for the duration of The Fair. Visit americandairy.com/nystatefair for more information.

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SOURCE American Dairy Association North East