Meadow Gold is cutting its support to the State Farm Fair, sending organizers including the 4-H council scrambling for money to operate its livestock show and auction.

Less than three months before the annual event, the Hawaii State Livestock 4-H Council learned that Dean Foods, owner of Meadow Gold, would not contribute its usual $10,000, half of which was used to produce the 4-H livestock show and auction, and the petting zoo, said Dr. Jason Moniz, president of the 4-H council.

Some 40 members of 4-H Clubs throughout the state have been raising animals all year for the show and auction that will take place July 19 to 21 and is held in conjunction with the State Farm Fair, a two-week event including carnival rides, displays and game booths.

Moniz, a veterinarian, said despite the setback the council is determined to have the show because the children have worked so hard to prepare for it.

"We're going to make it happen one way or the other," he said. "We're just too far into the process."

The Meadow Gold funding paid for the livestock tent, electricity, water, bleachers and other expenses, Moniz said, adding that he assumed the rest of the contribution was used for other parts of the farm fair.

Meadow Gold cut its support to $1,000 that will be used for the youth awards, for which 4-H is appreciative, he said.

The company is also donating products, said Carissa Tourtelot, Meadow Gold spokeswoman.

The decision to reduce its monetary donation was made after evaluating the event and other events that the company sponsors, Tourtelot said.

"(Meadow Gold) cares about having a presence and being there but as far as being an overall sponsor this year, it just wasn't the right fit for them," she said. "Maybe next year will be different but it's just the decision made for this year."

In the past, the event cost about $300,000 to produce, but the Meadow Gold sponsorship was specifically earmarked for the 4-H events. Without that funding, the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation that is sponsoring the fair this year and the 4-H council will have to seek help elsewhere.

Moniz said the farm bureau, E.K. Fernandez Shows and the council are seeking new sponsors and discussing options.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.