(AP) — An animal rights organization is taking its campaign to the Nebraska State Fair, where exhibitors and fairgoers celebrate the state’s rich tradition in agriculture, livestock farming and ranching.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has applied for a booth at this year’s fair, which runs Aug. 23-Sept. 2 at the fairgrounds in Grand Island.

PETA campaign manager Katie Arth told the Lincoln Journal Star (http://bit.ly/11To2ye) that the group’s trips to state fairs in Iowa and other states last year reflected a new strategy for trying to steer consumers away from meat and decrying what PETA members view as often deplorable exploitations of farm animals.

Nebraska fair executive director Joseph McDermott says PETA has a First Amendment right to come to the fair and spread its message.