At Farm Technology Days, youth of all ages can look forward to an expansive, entertaining and education program. The youth experience at the 2023 show will be spread out throughout the grounds and incorporated into different exhibits. The entertainment is hands-on, and kids can earn a prize to commemorate their participation.
“This year, children who visit Farm Technology Days will have the opportunity to learn about Wisconsin agriculture, career opportunities, farm safety, and more,” says Arnold Jennerman, general manager of Farm Technology Days.
Youth under 12 can attend Farm Technology Days with their parents, guardians, or youth leaders for free.
“As the largest outdoor agricultural event in the state, Farm Tech Days is where agricultural and non-agricultural communities come together to share information and learn,” says Anna Maenner, exhibit and program coordinator for Farm Technology Days. “This dedication to agricultural education starts with the youth activities at the show.”
The Youth Ag Adventure will include seven stops, including:
Staying Safe on the Farm:
Since 1995, the Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF) has been providing critical hands-on, potentially life-saving safety and health education to rural communities through its Progressive Agriculture® Safety Day (PAF Safety Day) program. During this year’s Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, the PAF Safety Day program invites youth and families of all ages to visit its safety and health stations and other agriculture-related exhibits during the event as part of a special passport program. The passport program will consist of a number of stations with four focused on All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) Safety, Grain Safety, Lawnmower and Sun Safety, Power Take-Off (PTO) and Blind Spot Safety. After completing five of the seven areas of the passport, individuals will receive a free PAF Safety Day t-shirt.
A 70 Foot Long Soil Pit
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) NRCS is building a 70-foot-long soil pit that will provide a real-life glimpse of what’s going on underground. Attendees will also have the opportunity to stop by our Soil Health and Pollinators booths to learn more about NRCS programs and conservation initiatives. Free pollinator posters and native pollinator seed packets will also be available in the NCRS exhibit.
Participants will learn about what different soil colors indicate by evaluating and using “soil crayons” made from combining recycled crayons and different soil types. While participants use the soil crayons to complete their activity, Wisconsin soil professionals will discuss soil health topics and explain why soils are different colors.
Diversity in Diesel – Trucks, Gators, Excavators, Welding, and More!
Madison College/Reedsburg Campus, the Madison area technical college that offers over 180 programs for associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates, will have a wide variety of hands-on activities and equipment for youth of all ages to participate in. Some of the many activities available in the Madison College exhibit include:
· A virtual welding station
· Autosteer on a John Deere 8521 S4 Gator on a small driving course
· Start, run, and see the live operation of a fully functional 600 HP Cummins diesel engine performance trainer
· Participate in an excavator skill challenge
· Perform diagnostic engine tests on a diesel engine
Hi, Ho Silver! Recreational Riding, Roping, and Saddling
The Wisconsin Horse Council is excited to be a part of Farm Technology Days, and has planned a full program (link this to the other release) of demonstrations and how-tos to showcase this vital industry in Wisconsin.
The equine ag adventure activity will give kids the choice of roping a steer head or saddling a horse. We will have members of the Council available to answer any questions people may have about the horses, and have information about all of the opportunities the Wisconsin Horse Council offers throughout the year.
You’re On In 3 – 2 -1!
All youth are invited to step into the shoes of a reporter to get a taste of modern media and promotion with activities involving social media, interviewing skills and going live on the show’s Facebook channel.
Big Engines and Miniature Farmscapes
Show hosts Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club will open their miniature farmscape so youth can get a bird’s-eye view of a traditional farming community. It’s farm fun in miniature! In addition, the club will have an incredible array of gas and steam engines on display.
Button it up with the DNR!
The Department of Natural Resources will share information about some of the programs present (i.e., wildlife, forestry, water quality) and lead a button-making station.
