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Down on the Farm
How much milk does a cow produce in one week?
How many eggs does a chicken lay?
Children and adults alike learned the answers to those questions and more during the Mini-Farm fest Thursday at the fairgrounds. The idea was for children to gain hands-on experience with farm life.
As part of Ag Week, the Mini-Farm Fest was swarming with children and adults who found out what it takes to be a farmer. The community building was filled with hands-on activities, animals, pedal tractors and a coloring area for children to explore.
A guided tour was offered to the children throughout the day. It started with planting a seed and ended with the "market." The tour provided children with an opportunity to experience a "day on the farm."
"It gives them ways to know agriculture is a business," said Beth Evans.
Evans, along with Stacey Baird and Heather Poynter, coordinated the Mini-Farm Fest. Children also learned everything from what corn feels like to how to bottle-feed lambs.
Future Farmers of America brought in live animals such as chickens, hogs, cows, sheep and a donkey.
Among the livestock, women were spinning wool into yarn and booths sponsored by Putnam County Public Library, Putnam County Museum, all three extension areas -- agriculture and natural resources, consumer and family science -- 4-H and many more were set up.
The Indiana State Police was available with information on detecting meth labs and other drug prevention data.
Evans said she hoped children walk away knowing the importance of being a friendly neighbor and how to provide adequate care to animals.
On Wednesday, 227 Putnam County fourth graders enjoyed a field day as part of Ag week.