STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Second- through fourth-graders who attend an agricultural event at Mississippi State University Nov. 14-18 will be able to tell their parents about the sources of food, clothing and other common products.

The MSU Extension Service will conduct the fifth annual FARMtastic at the Mississippi Horse Park. Weekday activities begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.

Julie White, an agricultural literacy specialist with the MSU Extension Service, said the educational program is primarily designed to help children learn the sources of their food, clothing and other necessities, but it also will teach them about wildlife and health issues.

“FARMtastic is a hands-on agriculture education activity that promotes locally produced agricultural products in a fun learning environment,” White said.

White said she expects almost 2,000 children from Oktibbeha and surrounding counties. School groups will visit the exhibits during the day, and the general public is invited to attend this free event from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 17.

Guests will visit event stations for 15 minutes of hands-on activities and experiential learning. There are seven stations:

1. The Barnyard Bonanza will teach lessons about farm animals. Students will see a milking demonstration and see a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, horses and chickens.
2. The Mighty Crops station will highlight area agronomy, including cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts, sweet potatoes, rice and wheat.
3. The Wonder Plants stop offers lessons in horticulture. Guests will make a beanie baby and see vegetable gardens, fruit orchards and worms.
4. The Something Fishy station will focus on aquaculture. Visitors will get to make fish prints and learn about the aquaculture industry in Mississippi.
5. The Enchanted Forest will teach lessons in forestry and wildlife. Children will make leaf rubbings, learn about bubble blowers, examine forest products, count tree rings, and see wildlife habitats and animal prints.
6. The Farm Toys exhibit will show the origins of products that contribute to athletic entertainment. Children will learn about football, baseball, basketball, golf and rodeo events.
7. The FARMvillage will offer a scavenger hunt for agricultural products. This exhibit will include a department store, bank, grocery store, school, cinema, pizza shop and other establishments.

For more information about this event, contact White at 662-325-8195 or visit http://extension.msstate.edu/agriculture/farming/farmtastic.