Thursday, October 06, 2011
First-time visitors get first hand look at farm
BY DANELLE DESMITH
With most of the population two or even three generations removed from the farm, there are many people who don't consider themselves directly affected by what happens in agriculture.
The reality is that each and every person is a consumer of agricultural products every day, whether it's through the food that we eat, the fuel in our vehicles, or the clothes that we wear.
However, many Americans have never had an opportunity to visit a farm to see who is producing these products.
On a recent Saturday, more than 320 visitors turned out to tour the beef and grain farm of Randy and Kathy Faber outside of Sublette. The event was the Lee County Farm Bureau's 17th annual Farm Visit Day.
Visitors from all over Illinois, the U.S., and even a few from other nations enjoyed a guided tour of the Faber's 4th generation family farm.
While on the farm, visitors were able to see the Faber's beef cattle operation up close, and several even took the opportunity to pet a baby calf.
Many visitors had never been to a farm, let alone seen beef cattle up close, so for many, this was a new experience.
Also, while on the farm, visitors were able to see the large pieces of equipment used to grow and harvest grain.
"Our goal in hosting this event is to educate the public about agriculture," said Lee County Farm Bureau manager Danelle DeSmith.
"There are a lot of misconceptions and misleading information out there about agriculture, and this is a great opportunity for attendees to experience farm life first hand, have fun, and learn about agriculture." DeSmith added, "We hope through events like this we can show the public that families, like the Fabers, care for their animals and are working to produce a safe food supply for not just their family but for the world."
Those wanting more information about Farm Visit Day or the Lee County Farm Bureau may contact the Farm Bureau office at 857-3531 or visit the organization's website, {www.leecfb.org}.
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