Farm Bureau offers interactive ag exhibit at fair

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COLUMBUS – Family fun and a connection to rural Ohio are just two of the many reasons for visitors to stop by the “Land and Living” exhibit at the Ohio State Fair, July 27 to Aug. 7. Presented by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Nationwide, the exhibit demonstrates agriculture’s link to everyday life.

Visitors to the exhibit, located in the Nationwide Donahey Ag & Hort building, can participate in a variety of interactive opportunities such as playing with local rescue dogs, learning about nutrition in the new grocery store display and watching chicks and turkeys come out of their shells. Children can take a ride through the OFBF Country Cruise on pedal tractors, while parents enjoy learning about Ohio’s crops, animals and other important areas of Ohio agriculture. Families can also have a commemorative picture taken, compliments of OFBF and Nationwide.

The Land and Living Exhibit will feature many exhibits including the Country Connection stage that will showcase agriscience experiments, local entertainment, visits from Columbus Zoo animals and more. Squash carver Gus Smithhisler returns this year to carve two giant squash weighing more than 600 pounds each July 30 and Aug. 1. A joint Ohio House and Senate Ag Committee Hearing will be held Aug. 2.

Making its debut at the Land and Living exhibit in 2016 is the OFBF augmented reality sandbox. Children can make it rain and move the earth simulating watersheds. This exhibit for youth provides the opportunity to learn more about erosion and water quality. Also, thanks to Ohio county Farm Bureaus, Ohio food processors and Nationwide, the new canned food display will connect Ohio agriculture and food production to the consumer while feeding the hungry, with all proceeds being donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

“The Land and Living exhibit features many facets of agriculture in Ohio,” said OFBF lead intern Lauren Corry. “With so many exciting activities, the Land and Living exhibit is informational and interactive for all ages.”

The Land and Living exhibit is supported by the Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Corn Marketing Program and the Ohio Expositions Commission. Last year the exhibit attracted an estimated 300,000 state fair visitors. The Land and Living exhibit is located east of the giant slide and across from the south entrance to the midway. There is no additional charge for visiting the building or any of its displays.

Submitted story

Submitted by the Ohio Farm Bureau.

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