Mankato — The sights, sounds, and excitement of agriculture come alive at Ag Education Day on Saturday, May 30 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. Thanks to generous support from Central Farm Service and Central Advantage, admission is completely FREE for children and their caregivers!

“Ag Education Day is a hands-on experience where children and caregivers can explore the incredible world of agriculture and the vital role transportation plays in getting food from farms to our tables,” said Rob Grover, CMSM Ag Education Day Committee Chair and Grover Farm Trucking proprietor. “From planting seeds to stepping into a combine simulator, this event brings to life the innovation, hard work, and dedication behind modern farming in a way that’s engaging and memorable for the whole family.”

Spanning 3.5 acres in the heart of Mankato, Ag Education Day offers hands-on experiences, interactive displays, and real farm equipment for children and families to explore. The indoor and outdoor experience will include:

• More than 10 real trucks and tractors, including livestock trailers, augers, tankers, and grain haulers—available for children to explore up close.
• Combine Simulator, presented by the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, allowing guests to experience the harvest process from the operator’s seat.
• Corn and soybean pits, offering sensory-rich play and discovery.
• Large-scale drainpipes to crawl through and climb on, part of the Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) Play Zone.
• “Truck Wash” experience, presented by CHS, Inc.—a crowd favorite for young guests.
• Free copy of Semi-Sam by Jaren R. Flinn, (while supplies last) provided to help families continue exploring agriculture and literacy at home.
• Seed planting station, where children can plant and take home a seed to nurture and grow.
• Baby piglets, courtesy of Schwartz Farms, offering a chance to interact with animals commonly raised on farms.
• Baby Calf, provided by Michelle Schroeder
• Turkeys, provide Minnesota Turkey Growers Association.
• Meet and greet with the Dairy Princesses, along with complimentary chocolate milk samples provided by the Dairy Association.
• Rainfall Simulator, presented by Minnesota Ag Water Quality, demonstrating the relationship between water, soil, and sustainability.
• Nicollet County Pork Producers will be providing samples.
• Minnesota Historical Society and Oliver Kelley Farm.

With participation from over 30 community partners and agricultural professionals, Ag Education Day offers a full day of learning, exploration, and family-friendly fun. Children and caregivers alike will gain a deeper understanding of modern farming and the systems that bring food to our tables.

“Ag Education Day is a powerful opportunity to showcase the technology, innovation, and people that drive modern agriculture,” said KC Graner, CEO of Central Farm Service. “We’re proud to support an event that connects children and families to where their food comes from, while inspiring curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the agricultural community.”

Join us Saturday, May 30 from 9 AM to 4 PM at 224 Lamm Street in Mankato for a full day of hands- on activities, agricultural adventures, and FREE admission for children and their caregivers.

About the Children’s Museum:

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. The Museum engages diverse audiences from across our region and enriches children and families with opportunities for hands-on play.

Since opening its doors in 2015, over 100,000 visitors—young and old—have visited annually. A central draw to the Museum is its interactive exhibits and a wide variety of programs, which focus on play, exploration, and ongoing education; STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs; theater and cultural experiences, as well as many Ag education offerings. The Children’s Museum offers daily opportunities for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to explore and play with their children in its indoor and outdoor spaces. More information at www.cmsouthernmn.org.

About Central Farm Service (CFS)

Central Farm Service (CFS) is a farmer-owned cooperative committed to sustainability and the cooperative way of doing business. We provide innovative solutions in agronomy, energy, grain, and feed, ensuring our members benefit from shared success. With a strong focus on education, community engagement, and supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders, As presenting sponsor, Central Farm Service is proud to invest in agricultural education and community experiences that connect the next generation to farming.Learn more at www.cfscoop.com.