Ag expo center opens at fair

By Scout Nelson

On August 12, 2024, the Farmers Union Ag Expo Center opened at the Brown County Fair, offering South Dakotans an interactive space to connect with agriculture.

As the state’s largest agricultural organization, South Dakota Farmers Union aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, helping those who don’t live on farms understand where their food comes from.

“Even though agriculture is our state’s number one industry, not many of the farm kids I grew up with became farmers. And this is not a unique story,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a fourth-generation Brown County farmer.

“As South Dakotans lose their connection to family farms and ranches, it becomes important to educate them on where their food comes from and how it is raised.”

The 4,800-square-foot Ag Expo Center features hands-on exhibits, including a sow with her piglets, chickens with hatching eggs, and a cow scheduled to calve during the fair. Visitors can also engage in interactive games designed to teach them about the animals, soil, plants, and people involved in South Dakota’s agricultural industry. 

“We worked to create a space filled with hands-on exhibits and livestock so that South Dakotans of all ages can engage with agriculture,” said Samantha Bowman, Education Program Specialist for South Dakota Farmers Union.

The Brown County Fair, held in Aberdeen, draws over 280,000 visitors annually. Rachel Kippley, Brown County Fair and Park Manager, noted that while the county is a major agricultural producer, many local children don’t have the opportunity to visit farms. The Farmers Union Ag Expo Center provides a unique chance for these children and their families to learn about agriculture.

The South Dakota State Fair and the Sioux Empire Fair also have similar facilities, and South Dakota Farmers Union hopes to sponsor more ag-education spaces at other fairs across the state.

“Educating consumers is among the many ways we work to support family farmers and ranchers,” Sombke said.

Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-fair