October 2024 - Journal F e - Flipbook - Page 22
A Call to Farmers
Taylor echoes, noting, “We often hear fairgoers tell
us that we are the highlight exhibit at the fair. Kids and
families have a lot of fun and learn a lot. It’s handson and educational.” This feedback underscores the
Discovery Barn’s role in not just informing but also
engaging visitors in meaningful ways.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
As we look to the future, the focus for the Discovery
Barns is clear—continue building relationships,
improving the educational experience, and exploring
new ways to engage the public.
“In the 昀椀rst 10 years of the ag education exhibits, our
focus was on growth and reaching as many people as
possible,” Taylor says. “In the next 10 years, our goals
will really be to understand what the most ef昀椀cient
ways are to reach people.” This may include optimizing
how we connect with diverse audiences.
Taylor adds, “I think 10 years at the Discovery Barn
really shows PIPESTONE’s long-term commitment to
how important these initiatives are.”
Together we will continue making a
lasting impact, one conversation at
a time.
Sylvia Wolters
22 | PIPESTONE JOURNAL
The success
of the Discovery
Barns wouldn’t be
possible without
the dedication of
local farmers. These
exhibits are more
than just educational
displays—they’re
Dr. Taylor Spronk
opportunities to share
the real stories of
farming, directly from
those who live it every day. As Taylor Spronk notes,
“We really encourage our local farmers to be involved
in the Discovery Barn efforts.”
Sylvia Wolters emphasizes the importance of farmer
participation: “The trust of the farmer and the voice
of the farmer
carries the greatest
amount of impact.
Bringing farmers
alongside us is
in昀氀uential.”
As we continue
to build these
connections, we
need passionate
farmers to help
educate and
inspire the public.
If you’re interested
in contributing to
future Discovery
Barn events—
whether by sharing
your expertise, providing livestock, or engaging with
fairgoers—we encourage you to reach out. Together,
we will continue making a lasting impact, one
conversation at a time.
