County fairs serve as showcases not only for agriculture, but for horticulture and tourism. There are lessons to be learned about everything from how livestock are raised to the production of hay and grain, vegetables, fruits and nuts to perfecting baked and canned goods.
Amy Ries, the Director of Agricultural Programs for Envision Greater Fond du Lac County worked with Katie Grinstead of Vir-Clar farms to move the once outside birthing center into the recreation building and create a better agriculture education area. Thus, the Moo-ternity ward and Little Hands On The Farm were born. Amy shares more on what attendees can see and do in this area at the Fond du Lac County Fair.
Through contests, exhibits, shows and entertainment, there are so many different things to see and do at the county fair. One thing for sure – each county fair has its own unique specialty that sets it apart.
“In the Little Hands On The Farm portion, kids ages 3-10 get a backpack with items they will use along the way to complete their “farm chores,” including shoveling manure,” Ries explains. After collecting all the items, they end up at a farmers market station where they sell what they have collected for foodstand money.”
Farmers plant seeds, raise animals, and in the end turn around and sell those in order to make a living. This hands-on activity helps to teach youth about the daily life of a farmer.
The Moo-ternity Ward has three cows from Vir-Clar farms each day of the fair that should calve during the day. When volunteers see the signs that a birth will be happening soon, they announce it to the fairgoers so they can come and watch. There are also kid goats, sheep, goats, ducklings, and calves on display for attendees to interact with and ask questions about.
Ries adds, “You don’t have to be here on a certain day, there should be cows in this area every day that will be having a calf. This allows us to educate the community about agriculture.”
Through contests, exhibits, shows and entertainment, there are so many different things to see and do at the county fair. The Fond du Lac County Fair is happening now through Sunday so don’t miss your chance to stop out and enjoy the fun.
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