Emily Schubert - animals! baby animals!

Animals! Baby Animals! How can any one human resist the cuteness of a newborn calf, a litter of piglets, or a foal taking its first steps? The wonder of animals is spread throughout the Minnesota state fair for people to enjoy.

Small creatures bring a sense of wonderment that ripples through anyone who chooses to look. The Miracle of Birth barn set at the entrance of the fairgrounds offers all who walk through the main gates a chance to see the adorable beauty of agriculture. The moment visitors enter the barn they are able to hold baby piglets, and learn about the barn managers who raise them as family. The animals are treated with the utmost care, because they are not just animals they are the livelihood of each cultivator.

Many people who are not actively involved in agriculture do not quite understand the rigorous standards producers must meet. Most importantly, the standards for breeding and newborn operations; those that bring new life into the world. The state fair provides an opportunity for anyone and everyone to learn, and meet the people who raise the animals.

Every step of the process is laid out for people to watch and understand. They can ask questions, farmers are there to answer. Because, believe it or not they want the people to see each and every aspect of their operation, they want the people to see what they do and how well their animals are treated. Each moment, each birth, each death, they share with those who have the courage to ask.

That is true with every barn; the animals’ owners and showmen are ready and wiling to tell visitors about the creatures in their care. The horse barn is of course, among the most popular. Because in my opinion it does not smell anywhere near as bad as say, the swine barn. I also had the pleasure of growing up on a hobby farm after moving to Minnesota. Growing up around animals, on a farm, or within agriculture in general gives one a different perspective. Raising the food we eat changes how we look at the entire process.

Bringing agriculture to the public is the idea behind the barns. Each of the animals will have a plaque outside their stall with information on what kind of animal they are, the science behind their breed and their name, as well as some fun facts. The horse barn is a commonly crowded place due to its popularity as mentioned before. Because every little girl dreams of horses, but may not fully understand the work, time, blood, sweat and tears that go into owning animals.

Livestock are a prominent section of the Minnesota state fair. The air is filled with the scent of animals, freshly lain straw, and fried food. Bringing the feeling of the state fair to a head, people watching, livestock, and deep-fried everything on a stick.

Photo Credit to: travelgardenneat.com

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