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Ohio State Fair-goers this year will once again be invited to climb a large ear of corn, pet puppies, watch as an egg hatches into a chick, investigate the ecosystem of a living stream and much more, all while learning how agriculture affects all of us in our daily lives. The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) family fun, hands-on educational exhibit, "Land and Living: Agriculture – Your Link to Life," will be marking its seventh consecutive year at the 2007 Ohio State Fair Aug. 1-12.

Mike Pullins, director of outreach for OFBF, said the display has grown greatly over the years, from increased traffic to a larger exhibit. "Agriculture in Ohio is environmentally responsible and economically significant to the state," Pullins said. "The exhibit is fun, educational and provides a great view of what agriculture in Ohio is today."

The exhibit, which sprawls over 50,000 square feet in the Nationwide Ag and Hort Building, is once again free of charge to the public. Nationwide Insurance sponsors the building and OFBF coordinates the exhibits, but the entire production wouldn’t be possible without the cooperative efforts of more than 40 agricultural partners representing commodity organizations, agencies and private companies. Last year, more than 300,000 visitors made the exhibit a must-see while at the fair. "We want the exhibit to be fresh, new, exciting and make a bigger impression than ever before," Pullins said. New this year will be a hydrogen-powered Ford Model U prototype vehicle, on display to create awareness about biofuels and green energy. In addition, Ohio Proud will offer food samples and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will increase its display presence.

State fair intern Abby Yochum sees the exhibit as a chance for families to get a better understanding of agriculture. "I like to point out all the opportunities available in the building to families while they are visiting," she said. She would like to see visitors walk away from the attraction with an understanding that farmers are working hard and that agriculture is full of new technologies.

Pullins said the future of the exhibit is bright, with room to grow. "We haven’t fully utilized the outside of the building, and more partners want to be a part of the exhibit," he said. "Ohio agriculture is diverse, vibrant and important to consumers. Ohio farmers are doing a great job."

Caption: The Land and Living display will bring a seventh year of hands-on learning to the Ohio State Fair August 1-12.