Gov. John Lynch was among the throngs of fairgoers who enjoyed the bright blue skies and cool temperatures on the final day of the annual Sandwich Fair Monday morning.

Lynch, whose wife and children had gone in other directions that morning, said New Hampshire fairs have always been a huge attraction for him.

"We've gone to a fair every year for the last 25 years," said Lynch adding the Sandwich Fair has always been one of his favorites because of its relative small size.

Lynch was greeted by numerous fairgoers, including Sam Walker, who recalled seeing Lynch at last year's fair.

This year Walker brought some family members from Virgina to enjoy Sandwich and laughed when asked about Lynch. "I always seem to bump into the governor when I come here," Walker said.

For Lynch, attending state fairs is an important part of what he sees as his role as governor.

"I like talking to the people I see and hearing first-hand what's on their minds," Lynch said. "I have also become particularly fond of the fried pickles.

He also said the state's fairs, especially the Sandwich Fair, showcase the vital agricultural sector of New Hampshire's economy.

"Agriculture has always been part of New Hampshire. It's our history, and it's our culture," he said. "Everything else revolves around agriculture at the fair."

Lynch said the state of New Hampshire's agriculture troubles him and said he is especially aware of the plight of the dairy farmers who are increasingly unable to sell their milk at a decent profit.

In fact, despite the Columbus Day holiday, Lynch said he had a phone conversation scheduled later in the day with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack, who is the former governor of Iowa — another key agricultural state.

"We will continue to work together to do what we can," said Lynch.

According to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, there are about 140 commercial dairy farms and 10 licensed goat farms, as well as many hobby, family and 4-H projects in the state. There are about 18,000 mature milking animals on N.H. farms.

The industry generates about $51 million annually in revenue from the sale of milk and uses over 20,000 acres of land for forage crops.

The Website said the high price of land in New Hampshire makes it difficult to enter the dairy industry and many farms are passed on from generation to generation.

Last month, Lynch asked Vilsack to declare a disaster declaration in all 10 New Hampshire counties because of the unusually heavy rains during the beginning of the summer growing season the ruined many hay crops and caused plant diseases.

With the declaration, New Hampshire farmers will be able to access federal assistance, including emergency loans.

"Agriculture remains a vital part of New Hampshire's economy and it is important that we get them the help they need to make it through this difficult season," Gov. Lynch said. "I'm pleased that Secretary Vilsack has issued this declaration which will make available much needed assistance to farmers in all 10 New Hampshire counties."