Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Announces Major Renovations to Livestock Barns

Iowa State Fair livestock barns. Photo by Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.

DES MOINS, IA – A historic renovation will be taking place on the Iowa State Fairgrounds over the next several years. The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation has announced a $25 million renovation to the livestock barns that will commence now that the 2022 fair has closed.

Structures will be renovated from top to bottom with updated roofing, flooring, lighting, restrooms, and offices. The barns serve as the premier facilities for 4-H and FFA youth to showcase their work and skills. Originally built over a century ago, the cattle, horse, sheep and swine barns have not been renovated as this scale and are in dire need of updates.

Iowa State Fair CEO Gary Slater says the project will allow the fair’s legacy of high quality livestock and premier livestock shows to continue for generations.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that has raised more than $195 million since its inception in 1993.