University of Wisconsin-River Falls Crops and Soils Club Farm Technology Days Helping Tomorrow's Farmer Today.

Pierce County, WI will be the July 2010 site of Farm Technology Days, the biggest farm show in Wisconsin. The show has been held throughout the state in a variety of locations since 1954. The three day event highlights new technology in the agricultural industry, and is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors. This event will provide students of the University of Wisconsin- River Falls Crops and Soils Club an outreach opportunity to help educate present and future farmers and other Wisconsin stakeholders. Our poster will highlight the various events at Farm Technology Days in which our Crops and Soils Club members participated. As part of a crop exhibit, members grew approximately 20 crops common in Wisconsin, in ten-gallon containers, and then staffed a demonstration area at the farm show that described the crops and how they are used. Club members were also involved with a sizeable soil pit, where visitors viewed the profile, while learning about the characteristics of the soil (horizons, color, texture, etc.) from club members, many of whom are experienced soil judgers. Other club members volunteered their time with other educational demonstrations, which will also be discussed. In addition to being an important community service function, this event provided our club members with an opportunity apply their classroom knowledge to a hands-on setting.