Pipestone’s Discovery Barn returns to the Sioux Empire Fair from August 1–9, marking its 11th year of engaging families and youth with real-life agriculture.
This interactive exhibit — a collaboration between farmers, Pipestone staff, and over 50 community volunteers — delivers an inside look at modern food production through live animal care, farrowing demonstrations, and conversations with real producers.
🐷 What to Expect This Year:
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Live Piglet Births – Watch sows farrow in real-time
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Meet the Animals – Piglets, calves, and a dairy cow raised by local farmers
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Youth in Ag Support – In 2024, Pipestone donated 15 sows and 10 weaned pigs to support 4-H and FFA programs
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Educational Displays – Showing how food gets from farm to table
The Discovery Barn is part of Pipestone’s broader mission to strengthen family farms through education, support, and visibility — while fostering meaningful connections between producers and the public.
📊 2024 Impact Snapshot:
• 9 Fair Locations
• 195 Piglets Born
• 53 Days of Discovery Across 3 States
Whether you’re a pork producer, a young family, or simply curious about modern ag, the Discovery Barn offers a firsthand look at the future of farming — and the people making it happen.
📍 Location: Sioux Empire Fair, Sioux Falls, SD
📅 Dates: August 1–9
📲 Follow along: @PipestoneDiscovery on Facebook
Swine Web will continue to spotlight programs like the Discovery Barn that highlight transparency, education, and the value of engaging the next generation in agriculture.
