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2026 AFMA Convention

Scharidi Barber
Jul 1
2 min read

Dear AFMA Members and Friends, 


As we look ahead to the new year, it is time to map out our calendars for our favorite annual gathering. Mark your calendars for January 14-16, 2027, as we head into our next AFMA Convention! 


This year’s convention carries an incredibly special significance. As our nation honors its semi-quincentennial—250 years of American independence and history—we are stepping into the spotlight to celebrate the deep-rooted agricultural traditions that built our country. 


AFMA Convention Theme: FAIRly American 


Celebrating 250 Years of American Traditions 

Fairs are the heart of American heritage. For over two centuries, they have been the ultimate showcase of community, hard work, and ingenuity. This January, our convention space will be completely decked out in red, white, and blue as we honor the very best of what our fairs bring to light and we want to see how YOU celebrated the 250th at your fair. 


 The Showring & Beyond: Honoring the timeless legacy of livestock exhibition and the breeding traditions that sustain our agricultural standard. 

 

Exhibiting Arts & Culture: Showcasing the creativity of our communities through competitive crafts, scratch-baked goods, textile arts, and stunning local photography. 


Our Shared Roots: Embracing the unique local heritages that make every county and district fair in Arkansas a vital piece of the American story. 


Packed Educational Lineup & Certification Workshops 

We are thrilled to bring back a robust slate of practical, hands-on workshops designed to hand you the exact tools you need to run a safe, successful, and thriving fair. 

Back this year: 


NPIP Certification Class: Complete this essential course to obtain or renew your official blood testing license, a critical component for poultry health and exhibition safety. 


Coggins Verification Class: Specialized training for gate and livestock verifiers to ensure paperwork and equine health requirements are seamlessly managed. 

 

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Roundtables: Sit down directly with state officials to discuss up-to-date livestock regulations, facility safety guidelines, and state governance updates. 


Spotlight Session: Navigating the World of AI 

Technology is moving incredibly fast, and the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is knocking on the doors of our fairgrounds. We are hosting a thorough, practical workshop dedicated entirely to balancing this tool: 

 * How to Avoid Overuse: Keeping your fair’s voice authentic, grounded, and deeply tied to your real local community without losing that personal touch. 

 *How It Can Be a Huge Help: Unlocking smart, efficient ways to use AI for drafting press releases, creating promotional layouts, brainstorming social media marketing campaigns, and streamlining fair book coordination. 


Looking Ahead: Registration packets, lodging block details, and the finalized hourly schedule will be heading your way in the coming months. Start brainstorming your red, white, and blue promotional ideas—let’s make this the most patriotic and productive convention yet! 


See you in January! 


Scharidi Barber – Board Member, Lonoke County Fair 


 
 
 

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