JACKSON – An interactive, educational event aimed at teaching third-graders about the importance of agriculture comes to the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo Feb. 7-8.

FARMtastic offers hands-on exhibits that help children learn the role of agriculture in the production of food and other products used in daily life. It will be set up in the Mississippi Trade Mart at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

“I wanted to help kids understand where their food and fiber comes from,” said Julie White, agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Oktibbeha County and co-creator of the event.

The event is open to preregistered school groups Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is open to the public Feb. 7 from 1-3 p.m. and Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

FARMtastic features these five, 15-minute exhibits:

• The Enchanted Forest exhibit provides an opportunity for kids to make leaf rubbings, count tree rings and see products made from trees.
• The Wonder Plants exhibit showcases food gardens and other plants.
• The Barnyard Bonanza exhibit features farm animals, such as goats, pigs, horses and cattle, and the products that come from each one.
• The Mighty Crops exhibit teaches about area agronomic crops, such as corn, cotton and soybeans, and related products.
• The Farm Toys exhibit offers fun activities related to the rodeo, such as roping demonstrations and stick horse barrel races.

The event is hosted by the MSU Extension Service and sponsored by the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, the Mississippi Forestry Association, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and the Mississippi Beef Council.

FARMtastic began in 2012 and was created by the MSU Oktibbeha County Extension Service and Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau.

For more information about the event, call Julie White at 662-323-5916 or Theresa Hand at 601-372-1424.