Farm Bureau offers interactive agriculture experiences at state fair

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – 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 29 to Aug. 9. 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 activities such as playing with local rescue dogs, planting sunflower seeds and learning about aquaponics. Children can take a ride through the OFBF Country Cruise on pedal tractors or combines, 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 Land and Living stage that will feature demonstrations including agriscience experiments, modern wool spinning, visits from Columbus Zoo animals and much more. Squash carver Gus Smithhisler will be back again this year to carve two giant squash weighing more than 600 pounds each and a 40-pound block of cheese July 29, Aug. 1 and Aug. 3. A joint Ohio House and Senate Ag Committee Hearing will be held Aug. 4.

Making its debut at the Land and Living exhibit this year is the OFBF Canstruction display. The display will be a tractor and combine made from canned food. The Canstruction exhibit is made possible entirely from Ohio food processors who donated the canned food, with help from Ohio farmers and Nationwide Insurance. After the fair, all canned food will be donated to Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

“The Land and Living exhibit and Ohio State Fair showcase the beauty of agriculture in our great state,” said OFBF intern Maggie Dean. “With so many fun activities, the Land and Living exhibit is exciting and educational for all ages.”

The Land and Living exhibit is supported by Nationwide Insurance, Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Corn Marketing Program and the Ohio Expositions Commision. 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.

Staff report

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