This is what 800 pounds of recycled butter looks like: Illinois State Fair unveils ‘butter cow’

A cow holding a sunflower stands next to a farmer -- all made of butter.
The Illinois State Fair's 101st butter cow. Photo credit Dave Dahl/WBBM Newsradio

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A farmer is planting sunflowers, and a mischievous cow has stolen one.

The sculpture is the 101st Illinois State Fair butter cow. This year’s butter cow was churned out by artist Sarah Pratt of Iowa, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker is impressed.

“This is Sarah Pratt’s sixth time sculpting the cow for our fair,” Pritzker said. “Every year I am gobsmacked by her artistry.”

The 800-pound butter sculpture will be displayed in the Dairy Building at the Illinois State Fair from Aug. 11 – 21.

A farmer planting a sunflower while a cow stands behind
Photo credit Dave Dahl/WBBM Newsradio

Historically, each year’s butter sculpture has been recycled, and whatever can be salvaged is reused for the following year’s masterpiece.

Kendra Anderson, with Midwest Dairy, said the building will also feature a photo kiosk, games, and videos showcasing how dairy farmers are working to increase sustainability at their farms.

The main attraction, though, is up to no good.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Dave Dahl/WBBM Newsradio