Farm Days at Oakdale Mall - March 12-14

 During March 12-14, 2004, there will be an interactive, educational, and fun extravaganza in Johnson City. Throughout the Oakdale Mall a multitude of farm animals, farm displays, exhibits, activities, games, dairy food samples, and demonstrations will provide free entertainment for young and old. There will be no attempt to sell anything related to Farm Days.

 In 2003, Farm Bureau and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome and Tioga Counties organized and presented the first Farm Days at the Oakdale Mall. The event was a huge success; Mall owners, merchants, and enthusiastic visitors requested a repeat performance. The agricultural community was delighted with the positive response and began planning for the following year's event.

 Most farmers are eager to acquaint people with different types of commodities and provide the general public with a glimpse of a farm family's daily life. 

 Agricultural spokespersons must continually remind people that farming is an honorable profession/occupation and that agriculture is a very important segment of our country's economy. In fact, agriculture is New York's biggest
industry.

 During Farm Days, individual farmers and 4-H members will exhibit a wide variety of farm animals: dairy and beef cattle, calves, mini and standard horses, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and turkeys. A personable cow will be the focus of a milking contest. Instead of a dog or cat show, there will be a calf and heifer (young cow that hasn't given birth yet) show. Sheep shearing, horseshoeing, wool spinning, and watching chicks hatch are highlights.

 Children can play an assortment of games and create masterpieces using apples and paint. Huge modern tractors and nostalgic antique tractors will interest both young and old. A talented lady will painlessly pluck wool from angora rabbits and spin it into yarn.