IPM Student Numbers Exceed Expectations
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Agriculture education was a big hit at this year’s International Plowing Match (IPM) held in Mitchell, Ont., this past week. More than 10,000 students from 90 schools attended the IPM, with the farthest coming from Hanover and Mount Forest.
Education Chair and area farmer Luann Erb says the education component of the IPM was a huge success. “Numbers exceeded our expectations…we had 2,000 more [school children] than originally expected,” said Erb.
The education area consisted of three tents. Erb recalls the "Animals at Work" tent being one of the biggest draws including the newest livestock edition – two water buffalo calves. “People were surprised that we had water buffalo in Perth County,” said Erb. Other highlights included sheep shearing and goat milking demonstrations.
The five day expo was cut short on the final day due to a torrential downpour of rain, which flooded much of the grounds. Erb said thankfully, the animal tent was the driest, noting that despite the heavy rain, the animals were safe. Livestock were rescued from IPM grounds on Saturday; many lead out by hand, while pigs were taken out on gators. “I think the plowing match was well received…we’ve received lots of great feedback from the schools already,” concludes Erb.
(Photo: Perth County’s Queen of the Furrow Amanda Brodhagen tries her hand at milking a cow at the IPM education tent).