Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) “Stories from the Farm” series continues December 16 with a special all about the impact of 4-H on students’ lives, featuring Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle and Hampden County 4-Her, Lizzy Kadzik. Both recounts how their agricultural backgrounds have shaped them into the women they are today.
At ESE, agriculture is our culture. Exhibitors journey to our fairgrounds from 26 states and two Canadian provinces for competitive events, reinforcing our stance as a national authority on agriculture. As a representative of the agrarian way, it is our responsibility to highlight the hardworking individuals from across New England who raise the livestock and produce that make their way to your family’s table.
In 2024, we launched the “Agriculture is Our Culture” initiative with a four-video series titled “Stories from the Farm.” Each video focuses on a local farmer or family upholding agriculture in our community, providing each with a platform to share their story and the effort they pour into their product. Most recently, “Stories from the Farm” introduced E. Cecchi Farms and the brotherly bond that keeps the family’s multigenerational farm stand alive. Now, ESE introduces Commissioner Randle and Kadzik, two women shaped and bettered by their foundational experiences in 4-H.
Commissioner Randle is a fifth-generation dairy farmer, and she was sworn in as the twenty-first MDAR Commissioner by Governor Maura T. Healey in 2023. Prior to her role, she served as Deputy Commissioner/Legislative and Policy Director since 2018. Now, she is the first woman to lead the department. She credits her involvement with the Franklin County 4-H Dairy Program and many days at The Big E with refining her passion for agriculture. These days she lends her talents as a licensed Massachusetts attorney and knowledgeable agriculturist to the entire Commonwealth.
Lizzy Kadzik of Huntington, Mass., is a senior at Gateway Regional High School and plans to study nursing in college. At school, she plays varsity soccer and softball. Kadzik has been a member of Hampden County 4-H since 2021, and she shows dairy cattle through the program. She has been exhibiting at The Big E since 2022 but has been a fairgoer for longer. Kadzik was first acquainted with Commissioner Randle when she joined the Agricultural Youth Council, an initiative started by the commissioner.
“With her background in dairy cows and her bubbly personality, Commissioner Randle and I connected quickly,” shared Kadzik. “I had the opportunity to see her at many shows, including the Massachusetts State 4-H Show. She asked me to speak to the other kids at the show about the youth council and what we do.”
Kadzik takes pride in showing her Ayrshire cows, representing 4-H for rising students in the program and interacting with standout leaders in the agriculture industry.
ESE works year-round to sustain agriculture across New England, and supporting 4-Hers, FFA students and other rising agriculturists is made easy at The Big E! Stop by the 4-H Milk Booth, view competitive events in the Mallary Complex, consider buying steer or raffles at the 4-H Beef Sale, browse the 4-H Apple Booth and countless winning projects in Farm-A-Rama and more.
The Fair returns to ESE September 18 through October 4, 2026, and advanced discount tickets are available at TheBigE.com. Be sure to watch the latest installment of Agriculture is Our Culture through ESE’s social media on December 16.