For the second year, the public is invited to learn more about production agriculture at the Ralco Enrichment Center during the Lyon County Fair to be held Aug.10-14 in Marshall.
The Ralco Enrichment Center is an interactive experience where the public can learn more about where their meals come from and how agriculture impacts their daily lives. The endeavor provides Ralco and other contributors with an opportunity to bridge the gap between responsible agriculture production and public perceptions.
Kary Wichmann, a Lyon County Fair Board member from Balaton, said the goal of the Ralco Enrichment Center is to educate the public about what happens on farms.
“What I like best is watching kids learn and experience what we do on the farm and the reactions you get from them,” said Wichmann who organizes activities in the Ralco Enrichment Center. “Ralco really helped get this going financially and now is pushing forward to further educate the public.”
This year, a shrimp display and a turkey exhibit that features hatching turkey eggs will join a dairy cow and calves, piglets, rabbits and milking goats. The shrimp exhibit will consist of an 80-gallon tank with shrimp inside along with information on the shrimp industry.
Back by popular demand, a sow will give birth to piglets and visitors will be able to hold pigs and feed calves. Farm to Fork grilling is new this year. Visitors can sample shrimp, turkey, pork, rabbit and beef grilled just outside the building.
Children can climb into corn-filled play boxes, follow instructions to mix a hog ration or experience planting and combining crops in a cab simulator. Farmers will answer questions and Lyon County FFA members will assist in educating fair goers.
The free Ralco Enrichment Center will be open 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. The Enrichment Center is located next to the hoop barn near the 4-H structures. There is no admission fee to the Lyon County Fair.
Like “Ralco Enrichment Center” on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the action at the center.