Purdue News
Purdue News
|
|
September 8, 2000 Families can learn about Farming at Farm Fest 2000WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – More than 5,000 people are expected to visit five farms south of Indianapolis during Farm Fest 2000 on September 17. Sponsored by Purdue Extension and the Johnson County Extension Board, Farm Fest "is an opportunity for nonfarming families to see how their food is raised," said Linda Souchon, Extension director and educator for Johnson County. Between noon and 5 p.m., families of all ages are welcome to visit the farms, all located in Johnson County. Because it is a self-driven tour, visitors can start at whichever farm they want and spend as much time as they like at each farm. The event is free. Blue and white signs will lead to the farms. "Each farm will have lots of activities that people of all ages can do together," Souchon said. "The purpose of Farm Fest is to create a better understanding of agriculture. Here's a chance to visit real farmers and see first hand how farmers produce our food, timber and meat while being environmentally conscientious," she said. The farms to be featured are: • Pleasant Hill Farms, a unique timber farm, which features an 1850's style "tramp" (wheat processing) barn; a below ground-level walk to see soil layers; a working sawmill; and forestry activities for youth. Visitors can see a rare timber planting in its 20th season, planted by soil types. The farm is three miles east of Greenwood, Ind. on Five Points road. • Norton Farms Inc. and Crystal Springs Grain is offering free popcorn to visitors. This seventh-generation family farm stores about 20 percent of corn grown in Johnson County. The farm will have a petting zoo, antique tractors, as well as farm and food safety exhibits. The farm is three miles east of US 31 near 300N in Needham township. • Kelsay Dairy will feature milking demonstrations. Located two miles north of I-65 off the Whiteland, Ind. exit, this fifth-generation farm has 500 cows and almost 1,800 acres of cropland. Homemade ice cream will be sold. Dairy operation displays will include information on farm waste management, food safety, electrical safety and milk production. • Poe's Stock Farm will have border collie demonstrations, baby lambs, sheep shearing and wool spinning. Farm machinery and feeding will be highlighted. They will also display the beef cattle and calves and a bedding process featuring recycled paper. The farm is located one mile east of Bargersville, Ind. on state road 144. • Circle K Farm, on State Road 135 two miles south of Bargersville, is also participating in Farm Fest. Visitors will see a farrier at work, and can interact with historical characters in the a round barn built in 1904. There will also be wagon rides. Equine demonstrations will be held in the indoor and outdoor arenas. All farms will have food for sale. Some will be sold by non-profit agricultural-related organizations. This is the third Farm Fest sponsored by Johnson County. The last one was in 1993 and the first was in 1986. CONTACT: Linda Souchon, (317) 736-3724 Compiled by Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
|
