News Release Distributed 03/13/12
The LSU AgCenter will present the “magic” of agriculture again this spring as its annual “AgMagic” event unfolds April 23-29 in the Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.
The successful event is in its ninth year and is designed to help children and adults understand that food, clothing, lumber and other products all are part of the complex agricultural system.
AgMagic will be open for scheduled tours by school groups April 23-27. In addition, the public is invited to attend during the weekend from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. April 28-29.
“Our faculty and staff are putting together a great lineup to help the public, and especially children, understand where their food and fiber comes from and what agriculture is all about,” said LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson.
The annual event features a variety of interactive exhibits that cover plants, animals, wildlife and other topics. They range from demonstrations showing the growth stages of plants from seeds to maturity to activities designed to help children learn about farming, aquatic life, nutrition, 4-H and plants.
“AgMagic will allow young people to experience the Louisiana agricultural industry up close and to see some of the agricultural products that are so important to the health and well-being of our daily lives,” LSU AgCenter Vice Chancellor Paul Coreil said. “They can learn about farmers, fisherman, foresters and a number of other agriculture-related careers.”
AgMagic will highlight the science and wonder of agriculture through eight educational areas:
–Animals Produce for You will be an educational area that includes chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle and horses. It will give participants a chance to see what animals eat and the products they provide. Children also will have an opportunity to see eggs hatch into chicks in the incubator.
–Farming the Waters will feature catfish, crawfish, oysters, alligators, turtles and ornamental fish, such as koi. Viewing stations will allow visitors to see both habitats and products, and visitors will learn how aquatic life is “farmed.”
–Plant Products will provide a look at how agronomic crops and vegetables are grown. Educational information will allow visitors to learn about the origin of products they consume, such as seeing that ketchup comes from tomatoes. Visitors also will have an opportunity to dig for earthworms or root crops and pick “fruit from trees.” The “plant doctor” will be on hand, as well, because plants get sick, too.
–The World of Wonder will focus on forests, forest products and wildlife. The exhibit will illustrate the abundance of natural resources found in Louisiana and offer an opportunity for a “walk through the forest.” Visitors will learn that the forest products industry is the largest agricultural segment in Louisiana. They also will learn what it takes to protect our environment. This exhibit will include a chance for visitors to view the root system of a tree and to visit with Smokey Bear.
–The Louisiana 4-H section will highlight the youth development program and its “learn by doing” philosophy. Young people can learn about ATV safety, energy conservation and home safety.
–The Bugs Rule area will demonstrate the role insects play in agriculture and in the environment. This section will give visitors an up-close look at a variety of bugs and a butterfly house filled with butterflies and plants. Young people will see mosquitoes, hissing cockroaches and other interesting specimens. Also, children will be invited to complete “insect rubbings.”
–The Farm Gate to Dinner Plate area will introduce children to food science, and they will have an opportunity to build a “pizza” using Louisiana-grown products.
–The Body Walk is an interactive educational exhibit designed to combat childhood obesity. The exhibit will be available in areas adjacent to Parker Coliseum (the Sheep/Swine barn Monday and Tuesday and the 4-H Mini Farm Wednesday through Sunday). Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Blue Cross and the Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, it is part of an overall program known as Smart Bodies.
A new feature to AgMagic this year will allow visitors to take a walk through the produce section of a “grocery store,” compliments of Rouse’s Supermarket, to see how fruits and vegetables from the farm wind up on store shelves. Weekend visitors can enjoy another new activity, the Little BookShelf Storytime section on Saturday, April 28, featuring storybook readings by members of the Baton Rouge Junior League.
Tours for school groups and other groups must be scheduled in advance. Dates and times available for group tours are between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day from April 23 through April 27.
To obtain more information or to schedule a tour, visit www.lsuagcenter.com/AgMagic or phone (225) 578-2196.
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Contacts:
Todd Tarifa
Frankie Gould
Writer/Editor:
Tom Merrill