The open-air sheep barn no longer stands next to the goat building at the new York State Fair. The roof was torn off during a winter storm and the structure was subsequently demolished, leaving the pile of rubble pictured here.

Never fear, sheep fans, the curly cuties will make their appearance this year in a new location, a couple of hundred yards west, next to the 4-H horse ring. A temporary structure being erected for this year will be replaced by a more permanent barn for 2020.

There seem to be fewer infrastructure changes this year compared to the past few, but count on State Fair Hound to keep you updated.

While rows of beautifully-attired animals in the sheep barn represent a New York state farm industry, the little shack nearby demonstrates the next steps of the wool industry. There you can witness the just-sheared raw material being processed and spun into wool fabric, ready to be knitted and crocheted into sweaters, hats or blankets.

Now, as Fair exhibits go, you could argue that this one is on he lower end of the excitement scale, but that just illustrates an important characteristic of the Fair–there really is something here for everybody. At the wool center, do-it-yourself crafters can get their fix, talking to the pros doing the handiwork and getting a close look at products and methods they may be able to duplicate at home.

And just as you can drink the milk produced in the dairy cattle barn and have an omelet at a stand near the poultry barn, feeling the soft, warm wool on exhibit completes another agricultural circle, all within the Empire State.

The poultry barn is the noisiest on the grounds of the New York State Fair, with clucking, gobbling and quacking feathered friends. But the building has its quieter residents. Off to one side of the building, you’ll find cages inhabited by rabbits and cavies (guinea pigs), two of the Empire State’s lesser-known livestock varieties. The wide range of animals is impressive as some of these guys are enormous, others cute and the array of colors and patterns is endless.

It’s a great spot to take the kids when you need a break from the midway. There are occasional opportunities to pet the furry ones, though you should certainly accept supervision from staff as some of these critters may bite.

Check the Fair website for judging schedules and you may learn something about them while embracing the cute.

Of all the breeds of livestock on display at the New York State Fair, sheep may be the most visitor friendly. Signs on the pens tell you they may bite, but they rarely do. Still, ask permission to pet them. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with a luxurious experience as those curly heads are soft and supple.

The ewes and rams are also quite visually appealing, sometimes wearing cloaks to keep them clean. There is often some shearing going on and that’s fun to watch as well. The kids in your party will enjoy hearing the sheep bleating, their shrill cries almost human-sounding.

The barn, really just a roof overhead, is a great spot to duck in from a shower or to avoid intense sunshine. Really, you can’t beeeeeat it.

As you traverse the New York State Fair, you will likely see some horses. There are State Police officers on horseback, handlers washing, grooming or leading horses and, of course, horses being ridden or shown in the Coliseum and 4-H rings.

But for the past few years, visitors were often banned from entering the horse barn, mainly for safety reasons, leaving enthusiasts looking for a chance to get close enough to pat a Morgan, appaloosa or Clydesdale frustrated. The remedy had been a visit to the World of Horses, a favorite exhibit of State Fair Hound. But this year the Fair’s center for good equine public relations will not return as part of the livestock community.

Horse lovers will no doubt miss the tent’s friendly equines and  informative, approachable staff. However, Acting Director Troy Waffner told State Fair hound that this year visitors will be welcomed into the main horse barn at scheduled times. The venue will be less cozy, but it will include far more horses of many different breeds.

Check the schedule for open times and make a visit to take some photos and maybe pat a horse or two. The 4-H rings and barns, located at the western end of the grounds, and the exercise ring next to the Coliseum also have plenty of horses around, sometimes including the adorable minis.

The first 3 1/2 days of the New York State Fair feature an invasion of llamas in the goat and pig barn. Those quirky and versatile camel cousins stretch their considerable necks above the pens and take part in judging and special events as part one of the Fair’s favorite livestock exhibits.

Aug. 23 features showmanship and halter classes, while the popular obstacle course and costume events take place on Aug. 24.

Judging of the llamas, serious business for their owners, will crown best-in-show, grand, reserve and performance champions.

Highly-prized llama wool will be featured in displays and demonstrations in the Wool Center on Aug. 27.