State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - CHS Miracle of Birth Center

Saturday, September 25, 2018

According to the according to the State Fair walking tour brochure:

"CHS Miracle of Birth Center"

"Opened 2001, moved to current location 2006"

"Then: Oohing and ahhing over baby animals has been a fair tradition since 1956, when the Future Farmers of America (now the National FFA Organization) created the Children's Barnyard. The Miracle of Birth Center exhibit joined the Children's Barnyard in 2001 and gave fairgoers a chance to reflect on the importance of four-legged creatures to Minnesota's well-being. Quickly outgrowing its space, it moved to its current location and was renamed CHS Miracle of Birth and FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center."

"Now: About a million visitors come to see 150 to 200 calves, goats, piglets, and lambs being born during the run of the fair. Animal species are chosen based on their tolerance for people watching their birthing process. The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association coordinates over 150 volunteer veterinarians to staff the center, as well as University of Minnesota interns and FFA members who feed and care for the animals."

Fair 2015 - Visit #1: Miracle of Birth Center

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Next stop, the Miracle of Birth Center. Mike’s friend Ashanka met up with us at this point. As we walked in we noticed a bunch of people gathered around a display. It was hard to see what they were looking at but being tall I was able to make out a pig’s head near the glass wall of the pen. Ashanka, being shorter, asked what it was. When I told her it was a pig, she put her hand up to her mouth and asked, “Are they roasting it?” In horror she ran off not even waiting for an answer. Mike retrieved her and we assured her the pig was not being roasted. The sow’s piglets were sleeping next to her. They were all under incubator lights, so we could see why Ashanka made the assumption of a pig roast. Had that actually been the case though, I’d have to say that would be a pretty sick display for the Miracle of Birth Center! Anyway, the little piggies started waking up and began to nurse. They were incredibly darling.

Fair 2015 - Visit #1: Little Piggies

Saturday, August 29, 2015

More piglets at the Miracle of Birth Center.