University-sponsored day showcases Purdue Agriculture at State Fair

July 31, 2006

University-sponsored day showcases Purdue Agriculture at State Fair

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Cockroach races, live animal veterinary demonstrations and cricket spitting competitions will highlight Purdue Agriculture at the Indiana State Fair's annual Purdue Day 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 16.

"It's a great way to see all of Purdue Agriculture in a fun setting like the fair," said Danica Kirkpatrick, events coordinator for Purdue Agriculture.

Included in this special day will be several activities, demonstrations and events for all ages. Some of these activities will include the cockroach races at "Roach Hill Downs," spay and neuter animal surgeries, a pep rally and parade featuring the Purdue cheerleaders and Boilermaker Special.

"The University’s goal is for people to know that Purdue has something for everyone," said Kirkpatrick. "Purdue Agriculture wants to communicate that whether the public has questions about animals or landscape architecture, there are people around the state — our Purdue Extension educators — who can help."

In addition to the activities, five departments and organizations from Purdue's College of Agriculture will have displays set up on Main Street for fairgoers to visit.

Agricultural and Biological Engineering will showcase a quarter-scale pulling tractor built by students. In addition, the department will also have a tabletop display showcasing other aspects of the program.

Agronomy will provide information and materials highlighting its four main areas, which cover crop systems, soils and landscapes, turf, and crop genetics.

Office of Academic Programs will display several tools to encourage prospective students to 'Go in Ag.' Provided will be brochures, information about the College of Agriculture, advisers who can answer questions and an opportunity for visitors to sign up to receive additional information.

Women in Agriculture, a newly created Purdue Extension program, will focus on women in agriculture throughout the state of Indiana. The exhibit highlights the 2007 Women in Agriculture Conference. In addition, Randy Woodson, Glenn W. Sample dean of Agriculture, will present the first Indiana professional achievement award to a woman in agriculture at 10 a.m. in the Our Land Pavilion.

Youth Development and Agricultural Education will feature interactive lab presentations where visitors of all ages will be able to participate in miniature lab experiments of varying degrees of difficulty. The hands-on nature of the experiments gives insight to the Advanced Life Science curriculum offered at Purdue.

The complete schedule for Purdue Day at the fair can be found on page 34 of the State Fair program, available on the Web. For additional information, contact Kirkpatrick at (765) 494-9113, dkirkpat@purdue.edu.

Writer: Jennifer Stewart, (765) 494-8402, jsstewart@alumni.purdue.edu

Source: Danica Kirkpatrick, (765) 494-9113, dkirkpat@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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