August 9, 2023 – The 103rd Illinois State Fair Butter Cow was unveiled this afternoon, and you butter believe it’s shaping up to be one of the fair’s best attractions.
Sarah Pratt and her daughter whipped up this year’s version of the buttery tradition, which has been the fair’s unofficial icon since 1920. Each year, 500 pounds of unsalted butter are molded into the creamy sculpture housed in the fair’s Dairy Building alongside award-winning cheeses, ice cream flavors and, of course, milk.
In 2023, the cow’s impact is doubled—it’s a replica of Illinois dairy farmer Lorilee Schultz milking one of her cows, and a second sculpture of her daughter, Lucy, with a calf is displayed in a separate case. The additional sculpture was sponsored by Illinois Farm Families, and the butter was donated by Prairie Farms. Over five days, Pratt and her daughter, Grace, brought the Schultz family’s farming legacy to life through one of Illinois’ most unique art forms.
“It is a privilege to honor Illinois Farm Families by sculpting the famous butter cow each year,” Pratt said. “Family is at the heart of Illinois farms, and to be able to honor that while working alongside my 19-year-old daughter, passing down this tradition to her, is precious.”
Although the iconic Butter Cow isn’t unique to Illinois—Pratt has also sculpted the Iowa State Fair’s Butter Cow since 2006—fans from across the state flock to the Dairy Building to see the creation each year while enjoying a dish of ice cream or powdery cream puff. This year, fair officials hope the cow serves to honor hardworking dairy farmers across the state.
“From family Christmas cards to family farmers, to the family that sculpts this icon, the butter cow represents what is at the heart of Illinois agriculture: family,” Jerry Costello, Illinois’ Agriculture Director, said.
Similar to recent Butter Cows, 13 butter hearts have been hidden between the two sculptures, signifying the 13 essential nutrients found in cow’s milk. The two sculptures will be on display for the entirety of the fair, which starts Thursday, August 10 and wraps up Sunday, August 20.
Can’t make it to the fair? Check out this year’s Butter Cow streaming live on the state fair’s website HERE.
