Explore agriculture at U. of I.’s Harvest Open House

Looking for a family-friendly event this weekend? Check out the fourth annual Crop Sciences Harvest Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Crop Sciences Research and Education Center 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, games and prizes, food, and fun for all ages. 

Visitors can look forward to learning about the Sustainable Student Farm; learning popcorn genomics while enjoying the buttery treat; seeing biological control of pest insects in action; pumpkin and flower pot painting; tractor display (and other farm equipment); and much more. Other activities include seed planting, turning wheat into pasta, shelling corn, digging in corn for prizes, creating with flowers, and more!

“Harvest Open House brings the excitement of the harvest season together with hands-on learning activities in one location,” 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 other crops harvested right in from of you!”  

Adam Davis, head of the Department of Crop Sciences, adds, “The Harvest Open House is a nice opportunity to spend a fall day outdoors learning and playing with your family and friends in a living classroom. We look forward to welcoming the community this weekend.”

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 Crop Sciences Research and Education Center at 4202 S. 1st St. in Champaign. This event is free to attend; food will be available for purchase from La Paloma and the Sidney Dairy Barn’s Moo Mobile.

For more information, visit the Crop Sciences Open House website or contact Harvest Days at harvestdays@illinois.edu.