From cotton candy to corn dogs, county fairs are beloved for their signature food and family-friendly rides. But as local youth across Florida know, fair season is an important platform for spreading awareness and education about agriculture and why it’s essential for the future of food.
Mosaic proudly supports youth agriculture programs like 4-H and FFA by purchasing livestock during fair season. Prior to the county fairs, students in these programs raise and care for their livestock projects, which includes steers, swine and more, allowing students to learn how to live off the land while developing critical skills for the future and furthering their agricultural education.
Once purchased, Mosaic donates the saleable meat from the livestock sale to more than 20 food partners throughout our operating area to combat food insecurity. In 2023, we donated 17,600 pounds of meat.
Students in these programs often pursue careers in environmental sciences, agriculture, business and related fields, all of which require innovative solutions to help feed a growing global population.
Buyer Letters
Florida 4-H or FFA students are now eligible to receive 2024 support for their ag education projects. Livestock buyer emails should be sent at least one week prior to the fair and can be sent to:
- Brent Anderson – DeSoto County (brent.anderson@mosaicco.com)
- Jackie Barron – Manatee County (jackie.barron@mosaicco.com)
- Morgan Odum – Hardee County, Polk County and Central Florida Youth in Agriculture Showcase (morgan.odum@mosaicco.com)
Follow us on Facebook at Mosaic Florida Operations and on Instagram at @mosaicinflorida all fair season to show your support for these students and all their hard work!
2024 Fair Schedule
- Jan. 11 – 21, 2024 – Manatee County Fair
- Jan. 20 – 27, 2024 – Polk County Youth Fair
- Feb. 2 – 10, 2024 – DeSoto County Fair
- Feb. 8 – 19, 2024 – Florida State Fair
- Feb. 17 – 24, 2024 – Hardee County Fair
- Oct. 31 – Nov. 10, 2024 – Hillsborough County Fair
