A first-hand look at an interactive big red barn along the Lakeshore gave supporters and VIPs a sneak peek at the progress.
The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center showed off its $13 million facility, dedicated to the education of Wisconsin agriculture.
There’s a silver-topped silo, and a familiar quilt print on the outside wall.
“Traditional dairy farm in Wisconsin right? It wasn’t uncommon for people to call us up and ask, I thought milk prices were low, you’re building a barn for cows? That’s pretty fancy,” said Nic Schoenberger, Farm Wisconsin Board Vice President.
The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center is designed to answer the question where does the food we eat, come from?
“All too often, I think, we think it comes from a grocery store, which clearly we buy it from there. We buy it from farmers markets. But hard-working farmers are the ones that produce the food,” said Scott Gunderson, Manitowoc County Agriculture Agent.
Inside the 29,000 square foot site, computers test young minds, how to maneuver a combine through the harvest. Hands on exhibits give people the sensation of a milking machine in action. And on the first floor, there’s a bovine birthing center. Dairy cows are brought in from an area farm to deliver 2-5 calves each day.
“It’s fantastic. I have goosebumps actually even though it’s extremely warm outside, and humid, this is a dream come true,” said Gunderson.
The site was dedicated with a ribbon cutting Monday afternoon.
“The emotions are high. We’re so excited to bring the hundred-plus major donors in and give them a sneak peek. This has been eight years in the planning, so we’re super excited to actually let people see what we’ve been talking about,” said Julie Maurer, Farm Wisconsin Board President.
Officials say a trip to the center could inspire a future in farming.
“We need to let people know that there’s tremendous career opportunities for people. Agriculture right now, needs more and more people to help us feed all of us,” said Gunderson.
The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center is scheduled to open its barn doors to the public on July 28th and 29th. The discovery center broke ground in October of 2016.
It’s located at 7001 Gass Lake Road, northwest of I-43 and Country Road C intersection.
Source: fox11online.com
