State fairs across the country are a national treasure, whether it’s for the butter sculptures, deep-fried Oreos, or opportunities to get up close and personal with some bovines. Michigan has the special distinction of hosting two state fairs where county Farm Bureaus have seized the opportunity to engage with fairgoers on agricultural topics.
The Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies is proud to sponsor both events, joining county Farm Bureaus in their efforts to connect with consumers.
“Supporting these platforms for Michigan agriculture not only continues proud traditions for youth involved in agriculture, but every year offers contact with nearly 380,000 attendees where we have the opportunity to share the story of where their food comes from,” said Kate Thiel, Michigan Foundation for Agriculture Development Manager.
U.P. State Fair
The Upper Peninsula (U.P.) State Fair took place Aug. 12-18 in Escanaba. County Farm Bureau leaders joined forces to promote agriculture to fairgoers through the Miracle of Life exhibit and interactive learning challenges.
New this year was a recently updated U.P. commodity map showcasing commodities grown in the region and a new video featuring U.P. farms. Michigan Ag in the Classroom joined volunteer efforts on August 13-14 to connect with teachers in the UP to help promote FARM Science Programs.
Congratulations to the U.P. Promotion & Education leaders and other volunteers who helped assemble an informative fair exhibit that resonated with consumers.
Hiawathaland Farm Bureau member Diane Hanson spoke to the impact the exhibit has on visitors.
“One of the most important things this exhibit does is show people what U.P. agriculture looks like,” Hanson said. “Whether it’s a greenhouse, dairy, winery or hay, we display photos to help them understand what goes on.
“If we can’t promote our own livelihood, how do we expect anyone else to? I always encourage other volunteers — without them this exhibit wouldn’t exist — to get up and interact with visitors, ask ‘Can I help you?’ in engaging in conversation I’ve met people from all over, even out of state, and have found mutual connections that really just show how small the world really is.”
“The U.P. State Fair turns 100 years old in 2027. Hiawathaland and the other five U.P. county Farm Bureaus, are already gearing up to include more history into the exhibit.”
Michigan State Fair
Over the past two years, county Farm Bureau volunteers and agriculture leadership at the Michigan State Fair, LLC have brought to life the MI Farmland exhibit. Fairgoers could interact with live-animal exhibits, learn from educational displays and watch ag-related demonstrations.
This year was the year of the potato, with exhibits showcasing uses of Michigan spuds, nutrition and various demonstrations.
Oakland County Farm Bureau members manned the “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” trivia wheel and awarded prizes to willing participants. The Macomb County Farm Bureau educational trailer was on display for young people to try their hand at harvesting soybeans or planting peppers though a virtual reality headset.
Lisa Reiff, who is a volunteer for the Michigan State Fair and works to coordinate the MI Farmland exhibit, said it really brings agriculture full circle for guests.
“Since the fair started, they’ve really focused on agriculture, however, this exhibit helps highlight Michigan ag in other ways, outside of animal exhibition, whether that’s potatoes, dry beans, cherries or blueberries,” she said. “It’s another touch point for agriculture with visitors in a fun way.”
Joshua Scramlin, an Oakland County Farm Bureau volunteer shared not only how fun he finds the event, but also why he feels so called to it.
“Being from Oakland County with such a large population, it’s our responsibility to meet these people where they’re at and tell them what we do. We only have so many events where agriculture is going to be front and center for them.
Growing up so close to an urban center, I didn’t view it as odd having so many people close to the farm — it felt like my normal. However, I’ve realized our farms often feel far away to the people we feed,” Scramlin said.
“It’s at these events that we get to connect them with the face behind their food, fuel and energy. If we can make it local for them, then that’s a good thing.”
Sound like something you’d love to be a part of? Contact your county Farm Bureau to be a part of their Promotion & Education programming in the upcoming year and keep tabs of what Ag in the Classroom may be doing in your community.
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