The Heritage Breed Show at The Dutchess County Fair held in late August in Rhinebeck, NY is an opportunity for breeders to showcase their American Milking Devon Cattle. For more information regarding this event please click on the information fact sheet below.
American Milking Devon Cattle at Dutchess County Fair Fact Sheet
AMDCA Member Fact Sheet:
Dutchess County Fair 2026
Rhinebeck, NY
Heritage Breed Class Exhibition Guide
Showing your American Milking Devons at the Dutchess County Fair is an unparalleled opportunity to educate the public about this critically endangered, triple-purpose heritage breed.
Origins of the Heritage Breed Class
The Heritage breed class is in its third year at the fair. It was intentionally designed in partnership with the Stony Kill Foundation to showcase their registered American Milking Devons. This unique class serves as a dedicated pathway to build awareness, establish a permanent presence, and create an ongoing space for the American Milking Devon breed within major regional agricultural exhibitions.
2026 Key Dates & Registration
- Fair Dates: Tuesday, August 25 – Sunday, August 30, 2026.
- Registration Window: Online entries open around June 1, 2026.
- Registration Deadline: Entry forms must be finalized by August 1, 2026.
- How to Enter: All registrations are processed online through the ShoWorks You can review class listings, department rules, and submit your official entries directly by visiting the Dutchess County Fair Exhibitors & Competitions Page.
- Show Time: The Heritage breed class will take place on Tuesday afternoon, August 25 (the first official day of the fair). Official time will be announced in the fair book when released.
- Exhibitors are given fair passes to enter the fairgrounds for each day.
- The fair provides shavings each evening for each exhibitor. If you need hay delivered to the fair contact Tim Stanley (tstanley@stonykill.org) who will get you in touch with a local farm. They charge $6.00 per bale and will deliver to the fairgrounds.
Barn Residency, Trailer Parking & Public Outreach
With 250,000 to 300,000 visitors passing through the gates each year, the Dutchess County Fair stands proudly as New York State’s second-largest county fair. Because of this massive crowd, the fair emphasizes direct agricultural education.
- Arrival Window: Cattle must arrive on-site and pass veterinary check-in between Sunday, August 23 and Monday, August 24. Barn assignments will be sent after registration closes the week before the fair. A request has been submitted for the AMDs to be housed in the same barn.
- Trailer Parking: The fairgrounds provide dedicated on-site space to park cattle trailers for the duration of the fair once your animals are unloaded.
- Public Education Duties: Exhibitors are expected to be with their animals throughout the fair’s open hours each day. This role is vital for chatting with the public, explaining the history of the American Milking Devon, and acting as an ambassador for heritage livestock.
- Duration of Stay: Cattle must remain stalled for the full run of the fair and will be released on Sunday evening, August 30, after the gates close. For those arriving from long distances, there are opportunities for those traveling over 30 miles to leave on Saturday.
Lodging & Camping Guide
On-Site Camping
For exhibitors who want to stay close to their livestock, on-site camping spots are available for RVs and pop-up. No one is allowed to stay in the barn overnight.
Note: On-site spaces are highly competitive and fill up quickly. Camping applications and fees must be submitted directly to the fair administration (payment is handled outside of the ShoWorks entry system).
Local Off-Site Campgrounds (RVs & Tents)
If on-site lots fill up, these local campgrounds offer excellent alternatives:
- Interlake RV Park (Rhinebeck, NY): Just minutes away from the fairgrounds, offering full utility hookups, pull-through sites, and tent camping.
- Norrie Point Campground (Staatsburg, NY): Located roughly 10–15 minutes south of Rhinebeck inside Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park. Ideal for rustic tent sites and small camper setups.
- NY City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday: Located roughly 25 miles south across the river, providing reliable full-hookup sites and deluxe rental cabins.
Budget-Friendly Chain Hotels (Kingston Area)
Because Rhinebeck accommodations book out months in advance, crossing the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge to Kingston, NY (a quick 15–20-minute drive) opens up practical, national chain options:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kingston-Ulster
- Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston
- Courtyard by Marriott Kingston
⚠️ Exhibitor Reminder: Ensure your animals’ registration papers match your AMDCA records seamlessly prior to the August 1st entry deadline. All cattle must travel with a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Papers) issued within 30 days of arrival, alongside official identification (RFID tags) and proof of rabies vaccination.
For any additional questions please contact Tim Stanley (tstanley@stonykill.org).
