Ag Awareness
Booth Synopsis
DAIRY
BOOTH
The focus at the dairy booth is on the average day in the life of a
dairy cow. We also talk about how a calf is raised from the time of
birth until becoming a member of the milking herd. How much a grown
cow eats and drinks to stay alive and produce milk will also be discussed.
The milking process is described as well as what the cow does when she
is not being milked. We also have exhibits of products from dairy cows
such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter. The different breeds of dairy
cows and their attributes are discussed as well. Can you guess the most
popular breed of dairy cow in the U.S. as well as in the world?
BEEF
BOOTH
The purpose of the beef booth is to give students a new perspective
and understanding of beef cattle. Students learn about several aspects
of beef animal care including basic health, nutrition and reproduction.
These topics are discussed in a way that compares the care of the animals
to the care needed by people. The booth also shows students how they
interact daily with products that come from beef animals. They'll realize
that products ranging from stylish fashion accessories to life-saving
medical products all come from beef animals. The booth shows students
that, just like with people, there are many different types of cattle,
displaying different breed and color varieties. Visual aids are used
to compliment written and oral presentations so the students can not
only hear and see what we're talking about, but also smell, feel and
possibly taste (not recommended) some of the feeds and byproducts that
are used for and come from cattle. The most popular visual aid at the
booth is a cow and her baby calf. These animals are used not only for
the students to visualize the animals, but also to stress the importance
of safety and a calm demeanor while handling animals. The booth itself
isn't enough to get the message across, so we will provide knowledgeable,
enthusiastic educators to talk to the children, and cater to the interests
of the individual group they're working with.
SWINE
BOOTH
The swine booth displays a sow and her litter as a way to teach the
children about pig production. The booth is supervised by swine nutrition
graduate students who will talk with the children about the various
aspects of pork production. To aid in the discussion, many visual aids
are displayed near the sow, which will explain topics such as the length
of time it takes for a baby pig to reach market weight, and why we notch
the piglets’ ears and give them shots when they are born. Terminology
used in the pork industry, the major breeds that have contributed to
the current pig hybrids, pig trivia, and the many byproducts that we
can get from a pig are other subjects that are addressed. During the
last five minutes of the presentation, children will be allowed to hold
and pet the piglets and the sow if they wish to do so. The children
are encouraged to ask questions, get their hands dirty and have fun.
SHEEP
BOOTH
The sheep booth informs students about the sheep industry. The main
emphasis of this station focuses on the diversity of the products obtained
from these small ruminants. Production of meat, wool and milk are addressed
at this booth, along with the various breeds that may be used for these
purposes. The students have a hands-on opportunity to learn about sheep
and the products that they provide for our use, consumption and enjoyment.
POULTRY
BOOTH
The poultry booth displays some newly hatched turkey poults. We'll discuss
what birds are classified as 'poultry' and what you call the male, female
and babies of the different species. Minnesota produces more turkeys
than any other state in the US, so the turkey industry is spotlighted
at the booth. Posters cover the parts of the turkey, some turkey trivia,
and the impact of the turkey and chicken (meat and eggs) industries
on the economy of Minnesota.
PLANT
IDENTIFICATION
Numerous products in our everyday lives are derived from plants. Such
things as peanut butter and canola oil may be obvious, but did you know
that plants give us diapers and some pillows? At the plant identification
booth, students are shown a variety of plants; some native to Minnesota
and Canada, and some from other regions of the U.S. They learn what
parts of the plant are used for various products. The students are able
to touch the plants and seeds to help them identify each plant. Finally,
they play an interactive game in which they match common products to
their plant origin.
CROP
MANAGEMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Plants need water and nutrients from the soil, and protection from disease
and insects in order to produce nutritious food. Farm families have
a big responsibility because the things they do to take care of plants
can affect the environment, both on the farm and far away. Students
learn about the things necessary for crops to grow and be healthy. Crops
demonstrating differences in light exposure, temperature and water are
available for comparison. Can you think of anything else a plant needs
to grow?
