The 2014 College of AGNR state fair calf, named Moonshine by fairgoers, poses with alumna Melissa Shaughness.
Image Credit: Edwin Remsberg
Faculty, staff, students and alumni from the University of Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR) are gearing up for the Maryland State Fair which begins Friday, August 28th at the state fairgrounds in Timonium. From welcoming newborn animals into the world in front of a live audience, to engaging kids in interactive lessons about where their food comes from, to showcasing some of the finest dairy cows in the state, the College of AGNR is instrumental in making the state fair a success each year.
Keep tabs on all the action by following the College of AGNR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, checking out our continually updated photo gallery, or just come visit us at the following locations throughout the fair:
THE BIRTHING CENTER:
Led by AGNR Professor Emeritus, Tom Hartsock, Ph.D., animal science students from the College of AGNR will be working around the clock at the Birthing Center overseeing and assisting with live births of calves, litters of piglets as well as hatching chicks. The students also help narrate the births to fairgoers who can witness the miracles first-hand. AGNR students will be using Twitter and Instagram (@statefairbirths) to communicate with the public when a labor has begun. The Birthing Center – always a popular attraction at the fair – is located inside the Cow Palace behind the Dairy Bar.
U-LEARN FARM:
An interactive, educational area designed for students of all ages, U-Learn Farm focuses on teaching children where their food comes from and what crops are grown in Maryland. Kids can decorate their own jars of grain, pose for pictures as various fruits and vegetables, play inside a big corn pit, ride around on a mini tractor and much more.
THE UMD DAIRY HERD EXHIBIT:
The State Fair is a time to shine for the University of Maryland’s very own dairy herd. The cows are on display during the entire 11 days of the state fair, participating in milking demonstrations and generally just showing off for passersby inside the Cow Palace. Students from the College of AGNR will be overseeing the herd and available to answer questions from fairgoers about UMD’s dairy program. Also, be sure to stop by and help us name a newborn calf. You can also see what last year’s state fair calf, named Moonshine, looks like now at one year old – you won’t believe how much she’s grown!
HOME AND GARDEN DEMONSTRATIONS:
Experts from the University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center and the Maryland Master Gardeners Program will be available to answer any of your gardening questions and to give tips, ideas and demonstrations to help make your own garden bloom better.
4-H EXHIBITS AND SHOWS:
The 4-H youth development program is a big part of the work of University of Maryland Extension and the College of AGNR and the State Fair is an important time for 4-Hers from all over the state. They’ll be showing off the conclusion of projects they’ve been working on throughout the year on everything from robotics to livestock to crops to crafts and clothing. 4-Hers also have the opportunity to show off their skills in various judging competitions and the stakes are even higher this year: The College of AGNR will offer scholarships to the overall winners in select judging competitions!
Be sure to stop by the 4-H Foundation’s food booth for tasty treats and keep us informed about what you see at the state fair using the following hashtags:
#statefairterps #MD4H #MYMDStateFair
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.marylandstatefair.com
