October 2024 - Journal F e - Flipbook - Page 21
Each year, visitors are invited to watch live births up
close. Chicks, piglets and calves are all born during
the fair. These up-close encounters help visitors of all
ages understand the care and dedication that goes into
farming. “What I 昀椀nd really fun about the exhibits is
how much kids are drawn to the animals. The animals
are truly the stars of the show. While it’s important to
keep the space educational, we focus on the animals
and the farmers who are there with them, talking to the
visitors,” Taylor adds.
Building Partnerships
One of the key elements of the Discovery Barn
has been its collaboration with local farmers,
college students, and organizations like FFA. These
partnerships ensure that the exhibits not only educate
but also foster meaningful interactions between the
public and those who work on the farm every day.
A Decade of Impact
Over the past ten years, the Discovery Barn has
not only educated, but they’ve also built lasting
relationships with fairgoers and the community. From
young children to seasoned farmers, the exhibit
has fostered curiosity, discussions, and a greater
understanding of agriculture.
“The public response has been overwhelmingly
positive,” says Sylvia. “We’ve seen attendance grow
each year, and during challenging times, like the
COVID-19 pandemic, the value of what we were
doing became even more evident. People were more
interested than ever in learning where their food comes
from and how it’s produced.”
“As PIPESTONE continues to evolve and do
more agriculture education efforts,
we continue to build upon the
relationships that Sylvia has built with
our partners. They are the experts in
their subject matter.”
FALL 2024 | 21
