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- Children, families can learn about agriculture at AgMagic
Young visitors look at insects in display cases during AgMagic in 2015. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter
Children have a chance to hold baby chicks during AgMagic, an annual event that teaches them about Louisiana agriculture. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter
(04/01/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – Children can learn about Louisiana’s agriculture industry at AgMagic, an annual event held on LSU’s campus in Parker Coliseum and at Docville Farms in Violet near New Orleans.
AgMagic, which is hosted by the LSU AgCenter and Southern University Ag Center, uses fun activities and interactive exhibits to teach children about the importance of agriculture, both in their own lives and in Louisiana’s culture and economy. The event will be held in Baton Rouge on April 11-17 and near New Orleans on May 4-6.
“It is important to teach our youth how agriculture is a part of their daily lives,” said Bill Richardson, LSU vice president for agriculture. “You use agriculture three time a day when you eat your meals. If your clothes are made from cotton, wool or linen, you are wearing agriculture. If you live in a house framed up or built of wood, thank agriculture.”
AgMagic launched in 2004 and annually attracts about 11,000 visitors.
Visitors can tour seven areas that focus on different aspects of agriculture, including crops, insects, animals and food, said AgCenter communications director Frankie Gould.
Children will be able to make leaf rubbings, see live insects, dig for sweet potatoes and learn about products from the sea. They can hold baby chicks and pet cows, pigs, sheep, goats and rabbits.
The popular Body Walk exhibit will also be set up at AgMagic.
School groups will tour AgMagic in Baton Rouge from April 11 to 15, and the exhibit will open to the public on April 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
AgMagic on the River will be held at Docville Farms in Violet near New Orleans with programs for school groups on May 4 to 6. It will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 7. Admission is free.
Schools can register field trip groups online by going to www.lsuagcenter.com/agmagic and clicking on the appropriate link.
AgMagic will travel to the State Fair in Shreveport from Oct. 22 to Nov. 8.