The county agricultural society became a primary means through which to disseminate new information about agricultural equipment, the breeding of livestock, the propagation of new plant types, and the demonstration of agricultural techniques. To this end, the fairs included exhibits, livestock judging, field trials, machinery displays, and competitions. It also became a major social event of the year. The Wisconsin State Agricultural Society formed in 1851 to achieve similar goals and assist the organization of county fairs.
