August 25, 2015

FarmScape at Ballpark Village Brings Agriculture to the Heart of St. Louis

Event will include livestock, farm equipment, youth activities and a concert.

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture will bring the farm to downtown St. Louis in the inaugural FarmScape at St. Louis Ballpark Village event, presented by Monsanto. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, an area of Ballpark Village next to Busch Stadium will be transformed into a showcase of Missouri agriculture.  

FarmScape will offer visitors a chance to escape to the farm during this one-day event. Farm animals, tractors, a bountiful display of Missouri fruits and vegetables and live crops will be on display to introduce farm life to Missourians. Providing a glimpse of the life of a livestock farmer, the Osborn Barr Livestock Barn will include beef and dairy cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and chickens. The FCS Financial Youth Zone will provide entertainment for children with interactive and educational stations including a sandbox with corn and soybeans, face painting, a coloring station and calf roping. An evening concert, sponsored by ADM, will feature country artist Neal McCoy on the Busch II Infield Stage at 7 p.m. The entire event is free and open to the public.

“FarmScape is a unique opportunity for us to bring rural agriculture to an urban community,” said Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. “As urban consumers become farther and farther removed from the farm, they often have less of an understanding of where and how their food is grown. We’re excited to have this opportunity to share the story of Missouri’s farm families at such an outstanding venue.”

Missouri food will be available for purchase in the AgriMissouri Farmers’ Market. The Missouri Wine Tent will include Wine 101 classes and wine tastings. Additionally, Ballpark Village restaurants, FOX Sports Midwest Live and Budweiser Brew House, will serve special menu items from Sept. 1 through Oct. 1 featuring Missouri grown products.

Another highlight of FarmScape will be the “My Farm, My Story” video series which features Missouri agriculture’s finest cattle, hog, corn, soybean, rice, cotton, poultry and other producers. On-camera interviews illustrate the dedication and passion Missouri’s farm families have for providing food, fuel and fiber for the world. 

For more information about FarmScape at St. Louis Ballpark Village, visit the Department of Agriculture online at agriculture.mo.gov or STLBallparkVillage.com.

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