Expanding Opportunities in Agriculture Education
Expanding Opportunities in Agriculture Education
Zeeland, Michigan — (DATE), 2024: Critter Barn will celebrate the grand opening of their new Small Animal Barn on October 12, 2024 at (what time). This marks the completion of a phase one vision for trailblazing education in agriculture.
“We moved from our original 3-acre facility to this 36-acre campus in 2022,” said Tony McCaul Executive Director. “We have a big vision for the future. Thanks to generous donor support, huge increases in attendance, and intentional outreach, we have completed the first phase of that vision and delivered on our promises.”
Baby animals such as kittens, ducklings, rabbits and chickens are adorable, and they are a great lead-in to the farm. “We love sharing the simple pleasures of petting and holding these animals, “McCaul said. “But this Small Animal Barn represents so much more potential for living into our mission.”
Critter Barn has evolved from a petting zoo for kids to a serious, comprehensive agricultural education experience. That’s important, because labor shortages are hitting agriculture just as hard as other industries. According to the 2022 Census, the average age of farm producers increased from 56.3 to 57.5 years from 2012 to 2017. As legacy producers retire, the United States needs the next generation of producers to take on the important business of providing food, feed, fuel, and fiber for a growing population.
“We need people who know how to raise livestock and produce crops,” said (someone from the CB board). “Michigan is among the most agriculturally diverse states in the U.S., producing more than 300 agricultural commodities. We are the No. 1 producer of tart cherries, cucumbers, dry beans, squash and asparagus, and rank in the top 10 for production of many other valuable agricultural commodities. That production relies on future generations who understand and love this industry.”
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation reports that production agriculture, food processing and related businesses comprise a large portion of the state's workforce, employing 805,000 people or 17.2% of our population, and contributing $104.7 billion to our state's economy each year. That’s a huge number, and one that simply can’t be ignored. Major employers like Peterson Farms, Gerber Products Company, Request Foods, Michigan Turkey Producers, Country Fresh LLC and more rely on the agricultural output of West Michigan farms to sustain their businesses.
Since fewer and fewer kids are growing up on farms, Critter Barn puts youth education front and center. Children’s programs start with age 3 and go all the way up through high school. Kids can get hands-on at the farm with an increasing continuum of intriguing programs, from simple “pet and play” all the way up to serious responsibilities for animal husbandry through the Critter Crew program. More than 430 Critter Crew members worked over 10,600 hours in 2023 under the supervision of staff. The organization is renewing and growing its relationships with essential education partners such as Michigan State University, Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, Baker College and more. Critter Barn also participated in 4-H for the first time this year.
“People, especially kids, learn through experiences,” continued McCaul. “Our new farm has been a catalyst for rapid growth. We reached more than 5,400 people through field trips from January through August. We engaged innumerable people through 113 ‘Farm on the Go’ events that brought animals to places like Kent District Library, Boys & Girls Clubs, and much more. People are already expressing interest in using our new Small Animal Barn for things like 4-H Dairy Training, early childhood education field trips, and regional meetings for organizations like Region 5 of the National FFA. We will bring thousands more kids of all ages onto this campus in the years to come.”
The new Critter Barn campus, including the Small Animal Barn, is the world’s first barrier-free agricultural learning facility. The organization worked with SVB + Reckley Architects and Progressive A&E to create intentional inclusivity. Everything from a Golden Mile of wide paved walkways to full-height windows to animal displays welcomes people and eliminates barriers that might prevent them from fully enjoying the Critter Barn experience.
“We made design decisions that remove barriers and lead to simple use for all people, of all ages, all the time,” McCaul said. “Features such as flat thresholds, simple signage and doors without knobs serve everyone. They convey intentional welcome to people who may have challenges with mobility, vision, focus, or height. Thanks to donor gifts and a generous grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, we also purchased activity chairs, adaptive tricycles, and hygiene equipment for people to use here at the farm. We want each person who visits the Critter Barn to love the experience. We want them to feel the joy of belonging, of moving easily and participating fully without having to ask for help. Our farm design affirms and welcomes people in all their diversity. Each visitor can have a great experience without having to adapt to enjoy it.”
The grand opening of the Small Animal Barn represents the culmination of many dreams and much hard work.
“This milestone is a celebration for us, for our donors, and for the community,” McCaul concluded. “We asked a lot of people to entrust us with their gifts and bring this vision to life. I’m honored to share that we have delivered on our promises and can now live into the full potential of this first phase of the campus.”
The Small Animal Barn is now open to visitors, along with the rest of the Critter Barn experience. A virtual tour is available at https://streamllc.com/tours/critterbarntour/, and more information about hours, programs and more can be found at critterbarn.org.
About Critter Barn: We are dedicated to teaching about farming and agriculture while inspiring people of all ages, and all abilities, through the miracles in nature found at the farm. Learn more at www.critterbarn.org.