Events

A Day of Educational Fun

Thousands learn more about CAFNR during South Farm Showcase

Oct. 6, 2019

Written by Joseph Quinn , Photography by Logan Jackson

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Each year, the South Farm Research Center opens its doors to the public for a day of educational fun, allowing the Center to showcase how unique the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) is. This year’s South Farm Showcase was no different, as thousands flocked to the Research Center to partake in a variety of activities centered on agriculture and natural resources.

Activities were spread throughout the South Farm Research Center and Jefferson Farm and Garden. In the turfgrass area of South Farm, there was an opportunity to fly a kite, golf or play soccer. Numerous animals, including cows, sheep, pigs and horses, were located in the MU Equine Teaching Facility. Attendees could milk a cow, watch the foal parade and interact with livestock. There was an opportunity to go through the corn/sunflower maze, pet a snake, go through the soil tunnel and watch the cockroach races.
Activities were spread throughout the South Farm Research Center and Jefferson Farm and Garden. In the turfgrass area of South Farm, there was an opportunity to fly a kite, golf or play soccer. Numerous animals, including cows, sheep, pigs and horses, were located in the MU Equine Teaching Facility. Attendees could milk a cow, watch the foal parade and interact with livestock. There was an opportunity to go through the corn/sunflower maze, pet a snake, go through the soil tunnel and watch the cockroach races.

The event, held Saturday, Sept. 28, featured more than 60 booths and vendors, each one offering a learning opportunity.

“There is a lot of work that goes into this event, but it’s always worth it in the end,” said Tim Reinbott, assistant director for the Agricultural Experiment Station. “We appreciate everyone taking the time to come out and learn more about CAFNR. It was another fantastic event.”

Activities were spread throughout the South Farm Research Center and Jefferson Farm and Garden. In the turfgrass area of South Farm, there was an opportunity to fly a kite, golf or play soccer. Numerous animals, including cows, sheep, pigs and horses, were located in the MU Equine Teaching Facility. Attendees could milk a cow, watch the foal parade and interact with livestock. There was an opportunity to go through the corn/sunflower maze, pet a snake, go through the soil tunnel and watch the cockroach races.

Jefferson Farm and Garden opened its butterfly house to the public, as well as its pond for fishing. Guests walked through the main barn and took pictures on various farming equipment.

“There was definitely something for everyone,” Reinbott said.

The Passport and Taste of Mizzou tent both returned this year as well. When kids walked into the South Farm Showcase, they were given a Passport with 12 items different activities listed. If they completed 10 of those 12 activities, they were awarded a free pumpkin. The Taste of Mizzou tent featured everything from maple syrup to Tiger Tail brats showing the variety of products that CAFNR makes.

“These two additions have been extremely popular during the few years we’ve done them,” Reinbott said. “The Passport is designed to get kids active with our many vendors. The Taste of Mizzou tent really showcases how unique the products we produce are.”

For a closer look at the South Farm Showcase, visit: flickr.com/photos/cafnr/albums/72157711133452357.