GEDDES, N.Y. — Future Farmers of America (FFA) on Thursday broke ground for a new building at the State Fairgrounds in the town of Geddes.
The upcoming facility will “ensure FFA students can continue to showcase New York agriculture to New Yorkers visiting The New York State Fair,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a Thursday announcement.
The 10,500-square-foot structure will include a large exhibition space for FFA students to showcase their work, along with conference areas and more. Partners from Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; National FFA; and the New York State Legislature additionally joined to acknowledge the milestone in FFA history at the New York State Fair.
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The state expects the new FFA building will be complete in time for the 2026 New York State Fair.
“For 100 years, New York FFA has empowered students to lead, serve, and grow in agriculture and beyond,” New York State FFA Director Juleah Tolosky said in the state’s announcement. “This new building at the Fairgrounds is more than a structure — it’s a symbol of what happens when we invest in young people and believe in their potential. We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and Commissioner Ball and our partners across the state for supporting a vision that honors our past while building a stronger future for agricultural education.”
Hochul joined Richard Ball, commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy, New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave, and representatives from New York FFA to officially break ground on the new FFA building.
The new building is part of a $34.7 million project to improve agricultural facilities at the State Fairgrounds that Hochul first announced in 2022. In addition to the FFA building, improvements will include a new show space for goats, which was completed last year. Also on tap is an upcoming new sheep barn and wool center and new horse barn, both of which are scheduled to be ready for this summer’s State Fair.
The governor’s executive budget this year includes $35 million for investments in the Fair’s Chevy Court and Suburban Park spaces to “enhance the Fair’s entertainment experiences for concertgoers,” Hochul’s office said.
