Month: October 2019

If you have ever spent some time on a farm then you know that there are usually a variety of animals to be found. Animals on the farm are referred to as livestock, this term includes cattle, sheep, horses, goats, and other domestic animals raised on farms for use or profit. Chickens and turkeys are not considered livestock, instead, they are referred to as poultry. Below are some fun facts about some of the common animals found on a farm:

Chicken – did you know that there are more chickens on earth than people – around 20 billion! It is believed that chickens were domesticated around 9,000 years ago.

Cow – Did you know that there are over 800 different cattle breeds recognized worldwide! Cows spend around 10 hours a day laying down relaxing.

Horse – Did you know that there is only one truly wild horse species still in existence, the Przewalski horse lives in Mongolia. Other wild horses are feral, for example, mustangs in North America. The average horse heart weighs approximately 9 or 10 pounds.

Pig – Did you know that pigs were domesticated around 8,000 years ago in China. Pigs are the brains of the barnyard and extraordinarily intelligent, some report that they are smarter than dogs and even some primates.

Goat – Did you know that goats were among the first animals brought over to North America, the earliest European settlers brought them over on the Mayflower. Goats have rectangular pupils, this gives them a fuller range of vision than humans and other animals that have round pupils.

On Sunday, October 20 our POP Club kids will be learning facts about different animals that can be found around the farm. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Agriculture is vital to the economy, community, society, and is at the heart of our daily lives. Many people know that the food we eat every day is thanks to hard-working farmers, but you may not realize just how much of an impact agriculture has on your daily lives outside of the food you consume.

Have a look at just a few of the ways that agriculture impacts your daily life:

Fabric – natural fibers found in your clothing and furniture are produced on the farm; most commonly wool and cotton

Flowers – nursery crops are also a part of agriculture; when you decorate your home with a bouquet of flowers know that their beauty is thanks to agriculture

Forestry – many forests are cultivated; grown to provide paper and other wood products that you use every day

Household – agriculture products such as corn and soybeans are often found in cleaning products that you use around your home

Fuel – one of the most common agriculture products that people forget about is fuel; ethanol is derived from corn and is used to power cars

On Sunday, October 13 our POP Club kids will be learning about the role of agriculture in our daily lives and try to understand how most of the necessities of life can be traced back to the farm. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!