Livestock

Interactive and hands-on livestock exhibits with horses, sheep and more!

Where can you see a massive boar, watch cows being milked  and experience the birth of farm animals?  Livestock exhibits of all types and sizes are just one more reason why nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair.

Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center

Located next to Little Hands on the Farm, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The 2007 Iowa State Fair marked the debut of the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center and Christensen Farms Hall. This agricultural education exhibit features live births of various species including cows, sows, nanny goats and ewes. Fairgoers of all ages will be drawn to the chicks, turkeys and ostriches hatching, along with the baby ducklings.

A key feature of the Animal Learning Center is the Christensen Farms Stage.  Stage presentations range from ag magic shows to interactive contests by many different groups and individuals.

Milking Parlor / Milking Experience

Located on the north side of Cattle Barn. Check back for 2013 dates and times.

The Iowa State Fair Milking Parlor is the place to get all your milk questions answered.  The milking experience will be narrated by a professional involved in the dairy industry. The narrator will explain the life cycle of a dairy cow, the milking process, how much milk a cow will produce, how much a cow eats and how dairy products are made from milk. The milking experience will last approximately 15-20 minutes, with children's activities before and after the demonstration.

Butter Sculpting Contest

Following each milking experience, a butter sculpting contest will be open to all ages. Participants will be selected via a drawing during each milking experience. All participants will receive a ribbon and winning sculpture will receive a butter prize! Brought to you by AMPI.

Boulevard of Dairy Breeds

Located in the North Annex of the Cattle Barn; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Boulevard of Dairy Breeds gives Fairgoers of all ages the chance to learn about the differences between the six major dairy cattle breeds and to see those breeds up close and personal. A baby calf of each breed will also be on hand to welcome Fairgoers to the Boulevard. This area includes Cattle Corner and I Milked a Cow! exhibits.

I Milked a Cow!

Located in the Boulevard of Dairy Breeds.

Try your hand at milking a cow the old fashioned way — by hand.  This is truly a once in a lifetime experience, don't miss it! Presented by the Iowa State University Dairy Science Club.

Cattle Corner

Located in the Boulevard of Dairy Breeds.

Do you know how much a bull weighs? Or how much a cow eats and drinks in one day? Get all your cattle questions answered at this interactive hands-on display.

Avenue of Breeds

sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers

Located in the northwest corner of the Swine Barn, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Avenue of Breeds allows visitors the opportunity to see many different breeds of cattle, horses, chickens, sheep and fish that Fairgoers may not see as they tour the other livestock barns. The Avenue of Breeds also features information about all species of livestock featured in this area.

Pig Place

Located in the northwest corner of the Swine Barn, adjacent to Avenue of Breeds, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Do you know how much a pig weighs? Or what pig food is made of? Get all your swine questions answered at this interactive hands-on display.

Horse Haven

Located at the main entrance of the Horse Barn, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Do you know how to measure a horse in hands? Do you know the difference between an English and Western saddle?  Get all your horse questions answered at this interactive hands-on display.

Sheep Stop

Located near the northeast entrance of the Sheep Barn, off of Rock Island, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Do you know how many sheep there are in Iowa? Do you know how much wool they produce? Get all your sheep questions answered at this interactive hands-on display.