It didn’t attract as many visitors as expected, but agricultural education leaders in Manitoba are pleased by the impact of the Bruce D. Campbell Farm & Food Discovery Centre.
The education centre, which opened September 2011 at the University of Manitoba’s Glenlea Research Station south of Winnipeg, drew 4,000 to 5,000 visitors in its first year of operation.
The number of guests was well below the goal of 30,000 visitors per year, but the results weren’t surprising, said Guy Robbins, the centre’s visitor services manager.
“We were brand new and there wasn’t much name recognition,” said Robbins.
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“For the first year, we knew there would be a smaller step and then this year and next year we’ll build up.”
The centre features a tractor simulator in which visitors can cultivate a field, as well as other hands-on exhibits about grain production. It also provides a direct look into livestock production because the centre is connected to a hog barn. The public can view sows and piglets through windows at the centre, which always makes an impression on visitors, Robbins said.
“Most people … are amazed by the size of the pigs.”
Robbins was satisfied with the first year of operation because the centre did establish connections with schools and teachers in Manitoba.
Three to four school groups toured the centre each week In during spring and fall, and many teachers plan to bring their students back this year.
However, only a few Manitoba families initially visited the centre, prompting it to launch a public awareness campaign.
It bought a local television ad and promoted the centre at events such as the Red River Exhibition. The efforts paid off as more people dropped by this summer, Robbins said.
“We had a lot of families coming round. Grandparents with the grandchildren, that sort of thing.”
It may take time to reach the goal of 30,000 visitors, but the discovery centre is already making a difference, said Johanne Ross, executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba.
Ag in the Classroom holds teacher workshops at the centre, which offers an engaging location to share the story of agriculture, Ross said.
“I think it’s made a super impact with the teachers,” she said.
“We’ve never had that before, where teachers can get up and close with the industry in that way.”
The centre has also made a few improvements, such as adding a section for toddlers, with books and farm toys.
As well, Robbins is developing plans to promote agriculture as a career. They want to bring in food developers, market advisers, soil scientists and other ag professionals to share information on job opportunities in the field.
“We’re looking to have some days where we’ll have eight to 10 (professionals) who will come in and talk to students about… what they do and why they enjoy it.”
