Ohio Department of Agriculture highlights division work at the Ohio State Fair
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is working behind the scenes at the Ohio State Fair to ensure the safety of all visitors. Nearly one million people will attend the fair from all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.
On the state fairgrounds Monday, ODA highlighted its divisions that provide support to the event each year, carrying out the mission of protecting the public and upholding regulations for a safe, enjoyable state fair. Inspectors with Amusement Ride Safety, Animal Health and Weights and Measures outlined their responsibilities with a short demonstration.
“Whether you are enjoying one of the fair’s thrilling rides, showcasing your livestock project, or even having your bag of candy weighed, ODA is offering a service by protecting all fairgoers,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “One of the best things about the State Fair is that it is largely focused on food and agriculture, Ohio’s number one industry. We look forward to celebrating Ohio’s products, its people and their families.”
Inspectors with the Division of Amusement Ride Safety perform thousands of ride inspections annually, including all 94 county and independent fairs, and the Ohio State Fair. Inspectors evaluate everything from structural integrity, safety systems, and signage, to general ride operations. In 2023, ODA completed more than 5,000 inspections on more than 3,000 rides. This is a 21-percent increase of the number of inspections performed and a 7.5-percent increase in the number of rides permitted when compared to 2022.
“Ohio continues to set the standard for the amusement rides industry, and nothing is more important than the health and safety of Ohioans,” said David Miran, Deputy Director of Regulatory Programs. “With confidence, we put our families on these rides after inspection. Our regulations are some of the strongest in the country.”
Veterinarians and inspectors with the Division of Animal Health oversee the health and safety of more than 38,000 animals entered in exhibitions at fairs throughout the state. Staff work closely with exhibitors, 4-H and FFA leaders, industry experts and educators to make certain exhibitors follow best biosecurity measures to prevent disease, livestock exhibitions are fair and honest and the animals that enter the marketplace are fit for human consumption.
“The Ohio State Fair is the premiere exhibition in the state and has that reputation across the country, it represents the best of the best,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers. “ODA’s daily presence on the grounds is critical to the integrity of competition and to support and advocate for youth, livestock exhibitions and Ohio animal agriculture.”
The Division of Weights & Measures staff inspects all animal and food scales at the state fair to ensure you get what you pay for, and livestock weigh-ins are accurate. Throughout the year, inspectors certify more than 1,500 vehicle and livestock scales while also working with local municipalities to regulate more than 200,000 measurement devices, from gas pumps to jewelry scales.
In addition to regulatory responsibilities, ODA is also dedicated to promoting Ohio grown and made products. Ohio Wines and Ohio Proud staff will be promoting small businesses throughout the state in the Taste of Ohio & Beer Garden, located in the Southeast part of the Fairgrounds near the Natural Resources Park. Visitors 21 and older can enjoy wines grown and made in the state, while people of all ages can shop for products from Ohio companies at the Ohio Proud General Store.
For more information on fairs near you, please view the Ohio Fair Schedule Brochure here.
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