The 56th Annual Butter Sculpture at the New York State Fair, a massive 800-pound creation, has come down, but rather than going to waste, it’s set to be repurposed into renewable energy. The sculpture, which has become an iconic feature at the fair, was made possible by butter supplied by O-AT-KA Milk Products in Batavia, New York. Though the butter was not suitable for sale or consumption, it will now serve a new purpose—generating electricity.

This innovative recycling process is part of a collaboration between the American Dairy Association North East, Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, and Noblehurst Farms. After dismantling the sculpture at the fairgrounds, the butter will make its way back to Western New York, just 15 miles from where it was produced, to be recycled at Noblehurst Farms in Pavilion, New York.

At Noblehurst Farms, the butter will be combined with other food waste sourced from local food manufacturers and educational institutions. This mix will then be processed in the farm’s anaerobic digester. The digester is an advanced system that breaks down organic material, producing biogas that can be converted into renewable energy. The digester plays a critical role in powering not only Noblehurst’s farm operations and its on-site creamery but also providing electricity for about 350 homes in the surrounding area.

The energy generated from the butter alone is quite impressive—enough to power a single home for three days. When combined with the other food waste handled by the farm, this effort contributes to Noblehurst’s larger sustainability mission, diverting 200 tons of food waste from local landfills every week.

Noblehurst Farms has earned national recognition for its leadership in sustainability and community-focused partnerships. By repurposing food waste like the butter sculpture into usable energy, the farm has set a standard for environmentally conscious agricultural practices. This approach not only addresses the issue of food waste but also demonstrates how innovative solutions can have a meaningful impact on local communities by generating renewable energy and reducing landfill use.

The recycling of the butter sculpture is more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a practical example of how large-scale events like the New York State Fair can contribute to broader environmental goals. The process transforms what could have been a waste product into a valuable resource, all while highlighting the importance of sustainability in agriculture and food systems.