For 10 days in early September, thousands of farmers and ranchers load up the family car, truck or van and head to Hutchinson. They come from every county in Kansas and they leave their farms to celebrate their profession at the Kansas State Fair.

Ag producers have finished wheat harvest, it's just a few days or weeks before fall corn, milo and bean harvest and it's a time for them to catch their breath before shifting into high gear again.

It's a slower time, if there is such a thing in today's farm and ranch calendar, and producers take this time to see what's going on in the world outside their farm gate. They go to the Kansas State Fair to see livestock, equipment, machinery and to talk to other farmers and ranchers. Some even stop and walk by the commercial booths, but those who tarry will be roped in and subjected to a sales pitch -- many given by the same guy that's been selling the last 40 years.

There's so much to see. Some visit the livestock buildings where they check out cattle, swine, sheep, goats and fowl. The countless breeds of chickens were always a favorite for my aunt and uncle who regularly visited the state fair.

For many it's also a social event. The state fair is like a country fair only a hundred times larger and with thousands of people. More than 8,000 usually go through the turnstiles during the 10-day event.

Many people visit the fair as families every year. Once at the fairgrounds they meet up with or run into other families they've know for years or have met before at this annual event.

Farm and ranch family fairgoers start early too. It's not unusual to see mothers with baby strollers and young infants in tow. Many a farm kid experienced the state fair before their first birthday and well before they could remember the event.

Others come to look over the latest in farm and ranch equipment. It is also an opportunity to take advantage of "state fair specials." Many a producer leaves the fairgrounds with a good deal or that's what they'll tell you.

In addition to livestock and machinery, a stop to the Pride of Kansas building is a requirement for most Kansas producers. For those few who don't know the location, just look for the Butter Cow and the giant pumpkins. Here fairgoers have an opportunity to look at all the crops, vegetables, fruit and other goodies Kansans grow each year.

While folks are milling around the fairgrounds, either on foot or the miniature railroad, they scope out the tasty food along the way. Who can avoid eating funnel cake, Pronto Pups, barbeque or the pork burgers of yesteryear.

And who could bypass the many homemade goodies served up by the various church groups? One of my all time favorites are the chicken and noodles prepared by a local Methodist church.

This year Kansas Farm Bureau celebrates a new statewide event at the Kansas State Fair. Sept. 12 has been designated as Farm Bureau Day statewide. All 105 county Farm Bureau associations will be celebrating this special day with events and promotions.

"This is an opportunity for Farm Bureau to have a major impact on the image of our organization and of agriculture," Fran Force, Farm Bureau Day chair and KFB Promotion and Education committee member from Coffey County says. "We have an active organization in every single county statewide and we will celebrate this strength on Sept.12."

County activities will vary from image advertising campaigns to agriculture education activities. The variety of activities happening across the state are designed to showcase the valuable investments county Farm Bureau associations make in their communities.

If you haven't, plan to attend this year's Kansas State Fair which runs from Sept. 5-14. Come visit with neighbors and friends from across the state and stop by the many agriculture and youth exhibits scattered across the fairgrounds. Who knows, with such a mild summer, maybe you'll even be lucky and enjoy some fall-like weather.

John Schlageck, Hoxie, is a commentator on agriculture who writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.