Animals Produce for You includes chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle and horses. It will give participants a chance to see what animals eat and the products they provide. Children also will have an opportunity to see eggs hatch into chicks in the incubator.

Farming the Waters will feature catfish, crawfish, oysters, alligators, turtles and ornamental fish, such as koi. Viewing stations will allow visitors to see both habitats and products, and visitors will learn how aquatic life is “farmed.”

Plant Products will provide a look at how commercial crops and vegetables are grown. Visitors will learn about the origin of products they consume, such as seeing that ketchup comes from tomatoes. Visitors also will have an opportunity to dig for earthworms or sweet potatoes and pick “fruit from trees.” The “plant doctor” will be on hand, as well, because plants get sick, too.

The World of Wonder will focus on forests, forest products and wildlife. Visitors can make a leaf stamp picture and learn about the native trees of Louisiana. The exhibit will illustrate the abundance of natural resources found in Louisiana and offer an opportunity for a “walk through the forest.” Visitors will learn that the forest products industry is the largest agricultural segment in Louisiana. This exhibit will include a chance for viewing the root system of a tree and visiting with Smokey Bear.

The Louisiana 4-H section will highlight the youth development program and its “learn by doing” philosophy. Young people can learn about ATV safety and Louisiana’s wetlands.

The Bugs Rule area will demonstrate the role insects play in agriculture and the environment. This section will give an up-close look at a variety of bugs and a butterfly house filled with butterflies and plants. Young people will see mosquitoes, hissing cockroaches and other interesting specimens. Also, children will be invited to complete “insect rubbings.”

The Farm Gate to Dinner Plate area will introduce children to food science and provide an opportunity to build a “pizza” using Louisiana-grown products. Again this year, AgMagic will allow visitors to take a walk through the produce section of a “grocery store,” compliments of Rouse’s Supermarket, to see how fruits and vegetables from the farm wind up on store shelves.

The Body Walk, an interactive exhibit designed to combat childhood obesity, will be in the 4-H Mini Farm adjacent to Parker Coliseum Monday through Sunday, except Friday. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Blue Cross and the Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, it is part of an overall program known as Smart Bodies.