The LSU AgCenter is bringing its annual AgMagic event back to Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge May 2-7.

The event is a fun way for children and adults to learn that food, clothing, lumber and other products all are part of the complex system involving agriculture and natural resources, according to LSU AgCenter director of communications Frankie Gould.

AgMagic features a variety of interactive exhibits of plants and crops, farm animals, wildlife, bugs, fish, forests and food. It will include demonstrations showing the growth stages of plants and exhibits to help children learn about forestry, aquatic life and more. Children also will be invited to make leaf prints, animal tracks and insect rubbings, Gould said.

“This is the eighth year that this interactive, educational event has been sponsored by the LSU AgCenter,” said Bill Richardson, LSU AgCenter chancellor. “It’s a place where children and adults alike learn about the importance of agriculture to their communities and the state.”

“AgMagic is designed to help young people see the importance of agriculture in their lives,” said Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor and director of extension. “It also shows them how important Louisiana agriculture is to the state’s economy.”

AgMagic is an interactive journey that will take visitors through eight educational areas:

– Animals Produce For You will be an educational area that includes chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, dairy cattle and beef cattle. 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 in an incubator.

– Farming the Waters will feature catfish, crawfish, alligators, turtles and ornamental fish, such as koi. Viewing stations will allow visitors to see both habitats and products, and visitors will learn how to "farm" aquatic life.

– 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 ketchup from tomatoes. Visitors will have any opportunity to dig for earthworms or root crops and pick “fruit from trees.” The “plant doctor” will be on hand 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 and 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 and Louisiana’s wetlands.

– The Bugs Rule area will demonstrate the role that 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 do insect rubbings.

– The Farm Gate to Dinner Plate area will introduce children to food science, and they’ll learn about bad bacteria. They will have an opportunity to build a “pizza” using Louisiana grown products.

Always a hit at AgMagic is the Body Walk, an interactive educational exhibit designed to combat childhood obesity. The exhibit will be available in the 4-H Mini Farm adjacent to Parker Coliseum. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, it is part of an overall program known as Smart Bodies.

A weekend feature dubbed Bug an Entomologist will be open for the public on May 7. It will feature insect experts from the Louisiana State Arthropod Museum, who will be there to answer “buggy” questions.

School group tours must be scheduled in advance. Tour times are available for groups between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day from May 2-6. AgMagic is open to the public Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

To obtain more information or to schedule a tour, visit www.LSUAgCenter.com/AgMagic or phone 225-578-2196.

Johnny Morgan