Special Report

The unveiling of the Butter Cow and Calf

One of the longest running traditions at the Ohio State Fair, dating back to 1903, the unveiling of the butter cow and calf was held on Tuesday, July 22.

Scott Higgins who represents Ohio Dairy Farmers says in addition to the cow and calf this year, there are 15 symbols that represent Ohio.

“It’s an honor for the dairy industry to have this rich tradition and we try not to let the consumers or the dairy farmers down, every year we make sure that the butter cow and calf are beautiful images of what the dairy industry is all about,” said Higgins. “But having a featured sculpture that represents Ohio’s symbols and all the character and traditions that we have in this state, it’s neat to be able to showcase them here.”

Audio: Scott Higgins, Ohio Dairy Farmers (3:40 mp3)

To name the butter cow and calf the dairy industry turned to social media, which Jenny Hubble, spokesperson for Ohio Dairy Farmers says turned out to be quite fun.

“We encouraged fans of the butter cow to submit names and we had a lot of crazy, great, very creative names submitted, Jenny said. “Many were celebrity inspired, some were traditional cow names, but this year we’re very pleased with the names we chose, we think they fit our display very well. This year the butter cow’s name is Scarlet and her calf’s name is Grayce, very fitting since it’s a tribute to Ohio’s state symbols.”

Audio: Jenny Hubble, Ohio Dairy Farmers (2:00 mp3)

You can see the butter sculptures in the Dairy Products Building.