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Farm Camp Minnesota

Farm Camp Minnesota was formed six years ago by area farmers and agribusiness people passionate about agriculture and helping youth better understand food production.

Mark Scharf of Mankato serves on the committee and says roughly 600 third through sixth graders participate each summer.

“We want to help those younger individuals learn that we have an abundant food source, and just give them a little bit better appreciation (of that source).  (Also) that they understand that we’re not out here spreading, spraying or growing things that are going to hurt the water, soil, air we breathe, or any of that stuff.”

Four one-day camps are offered featuring tractor rides, live animals, and presentations by commodity groups.

Paige Hildebrandt is with the Minnesota Pork Producers Association.

“We’ve been talking a lot about pizza and things they can touch like pepperoni, which comes from pigs.  Or baseball gloves (and) footballs.”

She says events like these also help put a face behind the farmer.

Brownfield interviewed Hildebrandt and Scharf at the Farm Camp Minnesota held at Farmamerica near Waseca in south-central Minnesota Monday.

 

Mark Scharf audio:

 

Paige Hildebrandt audio: