Long before there were ever such places as a grocery store, folks had to get their food from the farmer. Now that there are grocery stores, folks still rely on the farmer. Where do you think the grocery stores get the variety of meat, vegetables and fruits that we eat? From the farm, that's where. Without the farmer, you wouldn't be able to enjoy bacon and eggs or a cheeseburger and French fries. The farmer provides more than just food. Did you know that you wouldn't be able to play baseball or football if it weren't for the farmer? It's true. Farmers provide the ingredients to make lipstick, shampoo, shaving cream, automobile tires and even piano keys. Farmers need help in accomplishing all they do. Before the days of machinery like tractors and combines, farmers used their animals to plow the fields and harvest the crops. They had help from their trusty companion, the farm dog. They even relied on the wind to help with some chores. When does a pig become a hog? What can you do with a corn cob? Why do pigs roll in the mud? You can learn all this and more by reading about the farmer and the barnyard.
About the Author: Throughout her life, Kelly Hanson has always been in love with animals, particularly farm animals. Because her family was in the military, she was never able to have farm animals and participate in organizations like 4-H or Future Farmers of America due to frequent moves. She always wanted a pony and you could never pull her away from the petting zoo. When she and her husband (also in the military), relocated to Leavenworth, Kansas; she found her calling as "Farmer Kelly" at a local educational farm. While working at this farm, she was able to interact and learn about common farm animals and loved to share information about the animals with the children, teachers and other visitors to the farm. When she and her husband, had to move again; Kelly began to take agricultural courses at Missouri State University. She is now working with various local farms and organizations to educate those that are unable to have routine interactions with animals. Today, although Kelly lives in a suburban area, she remains active in learning about farming, farming equipment, and animal husbandry. She actively gardens using the help of compositing worms and other sustainable gardening techniques. She finally did get her "pony," an American Warmblood, which she routinely shows in English Equitation and Hunter Hack. She can be seen at several local shows in the Kansas City area.