Get A Sneak Peak at The Iowa State Fair Butter Cow

The Iowa State Fair is known for many things, but none quite as iconic as the Butter Cow. This creamy bovine marvel isn’t just a tribute to dairy, it’s a testament to sheer butter artistry. Each year, it requires a whopping 400 to 600 pounds of butter and the combined effort of three sculptors working 40 hours each. They start with a rough draft of a cow, then carefully carve out veins and texture, making sure it looks as lifelike as possible.  Sadly, there is no butter mooing.

What is new for 2024?

Who13 Reports for 2024, the fair is adding even more excitement to its dairy delight. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the sky glider, they’re adding a sky glider scene. And if that isn’t enough, get ready for three new nighttime personalities sculpted in butter: Corning’s own Johnny Carson, Des Moines’ favorite Tonight Show announcer Steve Higgins, and the current Tonight Show host, Jimmy Fallon. Madam Tussauds has a lot of famous wax figures, let's see them try something with butter.

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Who is in charge of crafting the butter cow?

Leading the buttery charge is Sarah Pratt, the mastermind behind the butter cow. For Pratt, this annual tradition is a family affair she shares with her two daughters. “If you’re going to be known for something, why not be known for something fun, whimsical, and universally adored? I may be more of an introvert, but I love chatting about butter and representing Iowa’s creamy icon,” Pratt said with a smile.

Fairgoers can catch Pratt and her daughters sculpting the final buttery details during the first two days of the fair. It’s like a live-action butter drama—just add popcorn.  Mmmmm, buttered popcorn.