Event gets kids closer to farm equipment

Older pieces of farm equipment were part of an event held in Illinois recently.
Older pieces of farm equipment were part of an event held in Illinois recently.
Many kids may not get the opportunity to interact with farm equipment, though some events are trying to change that.

According to a recent story from Illinois' Daily Herald newspaper, the Kane County Farm Bureau held the Touch-a-Tractor Day, which gives people of all ages the chance to get closer to farm equipment. Along with antique machines, the day featured newer pieces of farm equipment.

"Kids really just like the opportunity to climb on the equipment," Steve Arnold, manager of the farm bureau, told the paper.

Along with the pieces of agricultural equipment, people at the event could grind corn or pet animals. There were also raffles, one of which involved a John Deere Gator tractor.

As events like Touch-a-Tractor Day try to connect people with the agriculture world, so are efforts from the federal government. The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative is trying to connect consumers with farmers in their region so they have a better understanding of where their food comes from.

The government is also working to try and connect urban areas with agriculture. Some areas of cities are known for the lack of adequate access to healthy foods.
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