There
is always something new to learn about Agriculture, and
ALL
ABOUT AG,
is
a learning tool as well as a FUN hands on experience for both old and
young alike.
Visitors
can milk a cow,make a rope, shell corn, pump water and learn about
agriculture. Tom Umiker, a former dairy farmer from Plant City, Fla.,
developed the
All
About Ag
exhibit
to teach folks about agriculture. “As farming and agriculture
become more distant from the general population, we tend to fill in
that void,” Umiker said. He takes the exhibit to Fairs across the
country. The exhibit is most popular among older people, Umiker said,
many of whom reminisce about childhoods spent on the family farm.
Umiker’s exhibit includes a corn shelling machine, in which the
operator turns a crank to force an ear of corn through and strip it
of its kernels..When children stop by, Umiker engages them in a quiz
bowl, asking them to identify products that come from cows, pigs and
other farm animals. The goal, he said, is to show children the vital
importance farm animals play in everyone’s lives. For instance,
heart valves and skin grafts come from pigs, and an element in brake
fluid comes from cattle Visitor's are welcome to just “sit a spell”
and visit with Tom . There's always an interesting story to tell.
Come Adventure back to a simpler time in Agriculture. There is a rocking chair waiting for you!