Each year, Utah Farm Bureau’s Barnyard Friends Exhibit gives thousands of Utah State Fair visitors the opportunity to connect with agriculture in a meaningful way. Through interactive exhibits, educational activities, and up-close experiences with farm animals, Barnyard Friends helps children and families better understand where their food comes from and the important role Utah farmers and ranchers play in their everyday lives.
Volunteers are at the heart of this experience. Whether you’re welcoming guests, assisting with educational demonstrations and crafts, introducing visitors to the animals, or helping keep the exhibit running smoothly, you’ll play an important role in creating a positive and memorable experience for fairgoers.
No agricultural background is required, though volunteers with farming, ranching, or livestock experience are always appreciated. Whether you’re new to agriculture or have spent a lifetime in it, your willingness to engage with visitors and help share the story of Utah agriculture is what matters most. Whether you volunteer for one shift or several, your time makes a lasting impact on the thousands of families who visit Barnyard Friends each year.
Volunteer shifts are generally 2 hours long and run from 8 AM to 9 PM during the weekdays and from 9 AM to 10 PM during the weekends. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sign up solo or with a group!
Sign up to volunteer HERE. For large volunteer groups (over 12 volunteers) please sign up directly with Sadie Sweat at sadie.sweat@fbfs.com
Volunteers receive a FREE admission pass and parking pass.
Come experience the miracle of agriculture at the Utah State Fair!
*New this year, ticketing is done through the AXS Mobile APP
Once you sign up on the ivolunteer website for Barnyard friends your tickets will be transferred to you from a Utah Farm Bureau representative. Please see the below instructions to access your tickets.
Your tickets will be delivered through AXS Mobile ID, which means your phone is your ticket. You will use the AXS mobile app to view and scan your tickets at the gate.
Please set up your AXS account before you arrive so entry is quick and easy.
Before you arrive, please make sure:
At the entrance, staff will scan your AXS Mobile ID from the app. Once scanned, you can head inside and enjoy the event!
Is there a dress code?
Please dress in comfortable, durable clothes that allow you to have a full range of motion. Long pants and closed toed shoes are encouraged. You may be in varying environments, from helping with kids crafts to cleaning animal pens.
Where do I park?
You will recieve a complimentary parking pass along with your entry tickets. The pass is for Parking Lot B, which is an unpaved lot across the street from the State Fair Park on North Temple. Enter the Fair Park at Gate 6 off North Temple.
Please allow yourself at least 30 minutes for parking and time to walk to the Barnyard Friends Building (Bldg. 24). Allow even more time on nights and weekends due to bigger crowds and longer lines. Please report to the black pipe & drape Volunteer Check-in.
What does it mean to "Close" or "Open"?
Specific duties are associated with being the first or last volunteer shift of the day. You will recieve specific instructions if you have signed up for an opening or closing spot.
Do I need to be a farmer or rancher to volunteer?
Nope! You just need to have a love for agriculture and a desire to help others connect with it. There's a place for every volunteer to help.