Organizers of the 2015 Iowa State Fair announced on July 14 that the event will feature an expanded focus on agricultural education this year, with new activities honing in on swine, dairy cattle and aquaculture. The event will take place between August 13 and 23 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines.
Individuals who attend the event will be able to visit the John Deere Agriculture Building to visit the interactive “It Takes an Iowan” exhibit. The exhibit shows how Iowans participate in the ongoing effort to provide food across the country and around the world. It also highlights external factors, such as education, technology, communication and legislation.
At the Animal Learning Center, children will be able to learn how to do chores around a typical farm and earn play money at a General Store. The Seed Survivor exhibition will give kids an opportunity to plant and take home their own sunflower.
Six breeds of dairy cattle will be on display at the Boulevard of Dairy Breeds exhibition, housed at the Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn. Here, visitors will be able to view baby calves and the “I Milked a Cow” display.
Each of these events will likely further strengthen the relationship between Iowa’s youth and their commitment to agriculture.
More than one million people typically visit the Iowa State Fair each year. Those who are interested in attending can purchase tickets online for a 30 percent discount. Adult tickets (12+ age) are $8, while kids under the age of 5 can attend for free.
Image credit: Iowa State Fair