Kids learn about farms at State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS — A new egg building and pig barn were added to Little Hands on the Farm — a popular Indiana State Fair experience that helps children learn where their food comes from.

The pig barn introduces children to Indiana’s pork industry and provides a glimpse into how pigs are raised and cared for.

Indiana is the fifth-largest pork-producing state, making pork production an important part of the state’s agricultural economy and rural communities.

The egg barn shows cage-free egg production up close, from how hens are cared for to how eggs make their way from Indiana farms to consumers.

Rose Acre Farms, headquartered in Seymour in south-central Indiana, is one of the nation’s leading egg producers.

The pig barn was donated by Hog Slat and the egg barn was donated by Rose Acre Farms with support from SUMMIT/FBi Buildings and Big Dutchman.

“Little Hands on the Farm gives families an opportunity to make a connection between the food on their plates and the farmers who produce it,” said Becky Joniskan, president of the Indiana State Poultry Association.

“Thanks to the generosity of Hog Slat and Rose Acre Farms, we can continue telling the story of Indiana agriculture in a fun, memorable and hands-on way.”

Nearly 900,000 people attend the Indiana State Fair each year, giving thousands of families the opportunity to experience Little Hands on the Farm.

About 22,000 students visit the attraction through school field trips during the academic year, making the barns a year-round investment in agricultural education.

“These buildings will help educate not only state fair visitors this summer, but tens of thousands of Indiana students for years to come,” said Jeanette Merritt, director of communications for Indiana Pork. “These barns are a great way to showcase modern pork and egg production.”