Trading cards, which feature farmers instead of baseball players, will make their debut at the State Fair of Virginia Sept. 23 to Oct. 2.
A similar set of farmer trading cards have been a big hit with Loudoun County elementary school students. In fact, Loudoun County Public Schools Nutrition Services and the county’s Department of Economic Development have been recognized by the Virginia Association of Counties for the success of their local farmer trading cards.
Organizers of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s state fair display borrowed the idea from Loudoun County and have created their own collection of farmer trading cards for fairgoers to swap.
“We usually have an Ask a Farmer booth at the state fair. This year, we decided to add a fun, learning activity. In addition to being able to ask farmers questions, we will also give out trading cards that feature Virginia farmers,” explained Chris Kasenchak, VFBF membership operations and program director.
There are 13 different farmers that appear on the glossy stock cards. Each card has a photo with the farmer’s name on the front. More information about the type of farm, number of acres and an interesting farm fact is on the back. A second set of cards will feature Virginia’s top 10 agricultural commodities.
“We hope the cards will help students learn about the value of farmers and connect them with the people who grow their food,” Kasenchak said.
The cards feature a variety of Virginia farmers—from livestock producers to grain producers to beekeepers.
Farm Bureau will host its display in the Meadow Pavilion during the state fair. Fairgoers will find the trading cards in the red barn structure located in the pavilion.
The state fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair’s mission is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness and interest through educational programs, exhibitions and competitions in a fun, family-friendly setting.
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