Emily Schubert - education station

Emily Schubert
Nov 23, 2015
2 min read

Native Minnesotans grow up knowing the fun of the fair, or experiencing the fair itself. I was born in Chanhassen, Minnesota but only heard stories of my corn dog consuming experiences. However, the state fair was nothing like anything on the east coast.

After spending twelve years on the east coast, then moving back to Minnesota I saw what I had missed out on. The Minnesota State Fair was something more than the theme parks I had been to in Pennsylvania; it was different and special. Each place has its own perks or things that make it different.

The state fair for Minnesota is the largest and grandest of its kind. The fair is not dedicated solely to food, or rides, but education. As an agricultural communications major I enjoy seeing the barns and people that come to educate the public on the benefits of agriculture and the importance it has in everyone’s life.

The Miracle of Birth Barn gives children and adults and everyone the opportunity to learn about agriculture. Each and every farmer, rancher there answer questions and give guests a hands on experience. Guests can hold, feed, and ask questions about the animals and how they are raised.

In my opinion, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding the agricultural industry. This needs to change. Many people have a very strong opinion on how meat is produced. However, commonly their opinion is based on some very incorrect information.

For example, the beef industry has been accused of abusing their animals and that we should only eat organic, anti-biotic free, free-range beef. The problem is, is that if we only eat organics, and then we will not be able to feed the world. Many people do not know that non-organic meat is just as healthy and can be produced at a much larger scale. Anti-biotic free means that any animal that gets sick will be put down instead of treated. Treatments, which must be out of their system, buy the time that they are made into meat. If there is even a trace of medication in them the processing plant will not accept the entire herd. Free-range is a marketing ploy.

There are all sorts of arguments that I could get started on regarding the opinions of the “average Joes” are laid to rest if people are open minded when they visit the barns, if they have a willingness to learn. The opportunities that are available to those who seek out knowledge are vast. We just need to have the courage to be open minded.