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PODCAST

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community

Dutchess County Agricultural Society

A podcast dedicated to celebrating the people, farms, and traditions that make agriculture such an important part of our lives here in Dutchess County and beyond.Hosted by Suzanne Rajczi — is a 25-year member of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, foodservice industry leader, community advocate, and passionate supporter of local agriculture.This podcast shines a spotlight on agriculture and community — and the incredible stories behind them.

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

16:11

The Future of Agriculture Starts Here: 4-H, Family &...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/10/07

For more than 60 years, Gina Guercio Beckmann and her family have been part of the Dutchess County Fair. In this episode of the Legacy of Agriculture and Community podcast, Gina shares her family's generations-long connection to agriculture, dairy cattle, 4-H, and the fairgrounds. Hear how her family raises and shows Holsteins, Jerseys, and Ayrshires, why 4-H has such a powerful impact on young people, and why passing agricultural traditions to the next generation is so important. From family...

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14:59

Reptiles, Archery, Hatchet Throwing & More! Inside...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/10/07

Discover the Wildlife Exhibit at the Dutchess County Fair with Bill from the Northern Dutchess Rod & Gun Club. From reptiles and Hudson River fish to taxidermy, archery, airsoft, hatchet throwing, and free fishing for kids, this longtime fair tradition offers a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife and reconnect with nature. In this Legacy of Agriculture and Community podcast, learn how volunteers use the fair to educate families about conservation, outdoor recreation, wildlife, safe...

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14:11

30+ Poultry Breeds?! Discover the Birds of the...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/10/07

From baby chicks and colorful eggs to giant 50-pound turkeys, the Dutchess County Fair Poultry Barn is full of surprises. In this Legacy of Agriculture and Community podcast, Vern Schrom Jr. shares what happens behind the scenes in the Poultry Barn, including how birds are cared for, how poultry is judged, what makes a blue-ribbon bird, and why breed standards matter. Discover the many varieties of chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys at the fair, explore the role of 4-H, and learn how visitors...

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14:02

What Does It Take to Show a Goat at the Fair?

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/10/07

Amanda has been part of the Dutchess County Fair since she was eight years old. In this episode of the Legacy of Agriculture and Community podcast, she shares her journey through 4-H, raising and showing dairy goats, and bringing the next generation of her family into the tradition. Learn about Toggenburg, Oberhasli, and Saanen goats, dairy goat showing, breed standards, milking, goat personalities, and what really happens inside the goat barn at the fair. And hear the personal story of how 4...

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16:38

What Does It Take to Raise a Show Pig?

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/10/07

John Prezzano has been part of the Dutchess County Fair for nearly 40 years. In this episode of the Legacy of Agriculture and Community podcast, he takes us inside the world of livestock showing and explains what it takes to raise, train, breed, feed, and show market pigs. With approximately 80 pigs at the fair, John discusses Durocs, Hampshires, Yorkshires, Berkshires, Spots, crossbreds, modern livestock genetics, and the evolution of the show pig. He also explains how 4-H livestock programs...

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14:53

Did You Know There’s an 1870 Train Station at the...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/30

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Alan and Ingrid as we explore the history of the Pleasant Valley Train Station, its connection to Dutchess County agriculture, and how this historic structure was carefully moved and restored at the fairgrounds. We also visit the Antique Village, discuss the historic firehouse and railroad artifacts, and explore why preserving local history is so important to future generations. This is another story from the Legacy of Agriculture and Community Podc...

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18:28

These Belts Last 20 Years?! Inside the Family...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/30

For more than 50 years, Leon’s Leather has been part of the Dutchess County Fair. Amanda and Scott share the story of their family business, which began with Leon in 1966 and grew into a nationally traveling leather business known for its full-grain leather belts and handcrafted products. Learn how their belts are made, why they can last for decades, what makes full-grain leather special, and how three generations of the family continue Leon’s legacy. #LeonsLeather #DutchessCountyFair #Leathe...

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14:34

Inside 4-H: The Program Teaching Kids Agriculture,...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/30

Discover what 4-H means to the young people and families of Dutchess County. Carolyn McGraw, Dutchess County's 4-H Program Leader, explains how nearly 300 youth participate in 29 clubs covering livestock, agriculture, environmental science, sewing, quilting, and more. From public speaking and leadership to caring for animals and participating in the Youth Livestock Sale, 4-H gives kids real-world skills and experiences that extend far beyond the fairgrounds. Learn why the Dutchess County Fair...

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12:54

14,000 Flowers?! The Secret Behind the Dutchess...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/30

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes to make the Dutchess County Fairgrounds look so spectacular? Tony from Phantom Gardener takes us behind the scenes of the gardens and grounds, revealing how nearly 14,000 annual flowers are planted and maintained for fair week, how historic trees are cared for, and how the Horticulture Building comes together each year. Tony also shares the story behind this year's “Witness Tree” display and reflects on nearly 20 years of helping transform the Dutche...

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14:34

80 Years at the Fair: The Story Behind the Grange...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/30

For more than a century, the Grange has been part of the Dutchess County Fair. In this Legacy of Agriculture and Community podcast, Ryan Orton shares the story of his family's five-generation connection to the Grange, the 80-year history of the Grange Snack Bar, and the organization's continued commitment to agriculture, community service, volunteerism, scholarships, and youth programs. Discover what's inside the Grange Building, why the famous homemade pies and cakes remain a fair tradition,...

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16:11

He Juggles, Rides a 10-Foot Unicycle & Plays With Fire!

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/30

Meet Hilby, the “Skinny German Juggling Boy,” and discover the incredible story behind one of the Dutchess County Fair's longtime performers. From learning to juggle while traveling through Asia to performing at fairs, cruise ships, theaters, and venues across the country, Hilby has built a unique career combining juggling, comedy, unicycling, fire, and audience interaction. He also shares the story of meeting his wife at the Dutchess County Fair and explains why this fair has remained such a...

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12:29

This Is How Firefighters Fought Fires 100+ Years Ago

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/30

What was firefighting like before modern fire trucks? Discover the answer inside the Firefighters Museum of Dutchess County at the Dutchess County Fair. Kyle Poggenburg, president of the museum, shares the history behind an 1889 horse-drawn ladder truck, historic hand pumpers, hose carts, vintage uniforms, helmets, and other artifacts from fire departments throughout Dutchess County, New York. Learn how firefighters once worked together to pump water by hand, how horses helped respond to fire...

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21:19

What Happens When a Cow Gives Birth at the Fair?

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/23

Go inside the Miracle of Life and Salute to Agriculture exhibits at the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York. Melissa Weingartner and longtime agricultural educator Rich Knievel take us behind the scenes of one of the fair's most fascinating experiences — where visitors can learn about livestock, dairy farming, animal care and even witness the birth of a calf from just feet away. From Belgian draft horses and Nubian goats to a mother pig with eight piglets, the Salute to Agriculture te...

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17:13

Why Kids Need Agriculture More Than Ever

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/23

Faith and Ashley practically grew up at the Dutchess County Fair. From raising dairy goats and beef cattle through 4-H to competing in livestock showmanship, their childhoods were deeply connected to agriculture. Today, they've taken on a new role as members of the Dutchess County Junior Fair Board. In this episode, Faith and Ashley explain what it actually takes to prepare and show livestock, the bond that develops between an exhibitor and an animal, and the life skills young people gain t...

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19:56

The Family Feeding the Dutchess County Fair for 40 Years

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/23

For 40 years, Maxwell Concessions has helped feed generations of families at the Dutchess County Fair. Rob and Joanne Maxwell take us behind the scenes of their family business — from Walkaway Sundaes and frozen bananas to Carissa’s Lemonade, sausage and peppers, Philly cheesesteaks and other fair favorites. But serving thousands of fairgoers requires much more than a food stand. The Maxwells bring roughly 14 trailers to the fairgrounds and employ around 60 people during fair week, including ...

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16:19

They Moved This 144-Year-Old Schoolhouse Piece by Piece

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/23

Step inside an authentic one-room schoolhouse built in 1881 — now preserved at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. The historic Bentley Schoolhouse was relocated piece by piece to the fairgrounds in 2002, preserving original features including its desks, chalkboards, pump organ and pull shades. In this episode, we explore how the schoolhouse allows children, parents and grandparents to experience history together — including incredible moments when visitors who actually at...

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22:19

How Do You Move an Entire Carnival 360 Miles in 2 Days?

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/23

How do you move an entire carnival hundreds of miles and have it ready to open again just days later? Corky and Tracy of Powers Amusements take us behind the scenes of the enormous operation responsible for the midway at the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York. With roughly 130 trailer loads of equipment and approximately 44 rides at the fair, moving the carnival requires an incredible combination of logistics, mechanics, inspections, transportation, staffing and teamwork. We also dis...

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11:18

Behind the Scenes of the Dutchess County Fair |...

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/09/23

After 12 months of preparation, opening day has finally arrived at the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York. Go behind the scenes of this Hudson Valley tradition and discover the people, agriculture, livestock, 4-H programs, food and family memories that bring the fairgrounds to life each year. From the livestock barns and birthing center to new fair food and generations of farming families, this conversation explores why agriculture remains at the heart of the Dutchess County Fair — a...

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73:15

What It Really Takes to Grow New York Apples

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/07/07

Host Suzanne Rajczi, interviews John Hardeman of Hardeman Orchards about his family’s multi-generational fruit-farming legacy in Dutchess County and longtime support of the Dutchess County Fair. John recounts how his father became farm manager in 1951, the farm’s shift from cows to a nationally known Morgan horse operation, and the orchard’s growth and evolution toward retail as wholesale markets declined. He explains why the Hudson Valley is ideal for fruit due to its river microclima...

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53:56

The Rabbit Facts That Completely Surprised Us--

Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community ·

2026/06/23

Host Suzanne Rajczi, welcomes Deb Scannell, a rabbit breeder and superintendent of the rabbit barn at the Dutchess County Fair, to discuss rabbits, guinea pigs (cavies), and youth agriculture education. Debbie shares how she began raising rabbits as a child, later joined 4-H with her daughter, expanded into guinea pigs and goats, and became involved with national breeder associations and breed standards. She explains rabbit categories (wool, fancy, meat), common breeds she raises (Polish, Min...

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27 results

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