Looking for a family-friendly event this weekend? Check out the third annual Crop Sciences Harvest Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Agronomy Seed House south of campus.  

Hosted by the Department of Crop Sciences and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Harvest Open House will feature interactive exhibits, activities, and fun for all ages. 

Visitors can look forward to learning about the Sustainable Student Farm; exploring popcorn genomics while creating popcorn art; touring nearby fields to see harvest in action; seeing biological control of pest insects in real time; learning how perennial grasses can generate energy; checking out tractors and other farm equipment on display; pumpkin and face painting; and much more. Other activities include turning wheat into pasta, shelling corn, digging in a bin of corn for prizes, pedal tractors, and more.

“We hope to convey, through hands-on science activities for children and teens, the fascinating science behind food crop genetics, production, and interactions with insects, diseases, native flowering plants, and more,” says crop sciences professor Andrea Faber Taylor. “Plus, nothing gives more ‘feelings of fall’ than being immersed in a farm setting with pumpkins, corn, and crops being harvested right in front of you!”

Adam Davis, head of the Department of Crop Sciences, adds, “We look forward to welcoming the community for a fall day outdoors in our living classroom. This year’s Harvest Open House will offer plenty for everyone to explore.”

Between the games and snacks, visitors will learn today’s agriculture doesn’t fit old stereotypes. It means developing sustainable, regenerative systems to ensure an abundant food supply and a healthy environment; melding computer science and crop science to leverage big data generated by precision agriculture systems; breeding climate-adapted crops for a changing world; developing smart tools to battle weeds and pests that threaten food and fuel security; and so much more.   

Harvest Open House attractions will be located at the Agronomy Seed House at 2102 S. Wright St. in Urbana. The event is free; donuts and coffee will be available in the morning for purchase from the undergraduate student organization Field & Furrow .

For more information, visit the Crop Sciences Open House website or contact Andrea Faber Taylor at afabrtay@illinois.edu or 217-244-3898.