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Press Releases
Minnesota Zoo Announces “The Year Of The Farm” Apple Valley, MINN – March 30, 2010 – Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wells Fargo Family Farm, the Minnesota Zoo has declared 2010 “The Year of the Farm!” From April –October, the Zoo will recognize the importance of farming in Minnesota and host a variety of activities spring, summer and fall. The Zoo has also developed a special “Year of the Farm” website: mnzoo.org/farm. The award-winning Wells Fargo Family Farm brings attention to the past, present and future of Minnesota’s family farms. It opened in May, 2000 and continues to offer Zoo guests an educational and fun, up-close and personal farm experience. Although it’s open to the public from April 1 through October 31, the Wells Fargo Family Farm operates year round, just like 81,000 other family farms in the state. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture notes that agriculture is a multi-billion dollar industry in Minnesota, and it is the second largest economic sector in the state’s economy after manufacturing. “Many Minnesotans are one or two generations removed from the farm, but the reality is agriculture remains a powerhouse that provides jobs, money and energy to our state economy,” said Gene Hugoson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture commissioner. “The Year of the Farm celebration is a wonderful opportunity to showcase this dynamic industry and the contributions these family-run businesses make to our quality of life.” With fun events, activities, milking demonstrations and education programs, the Zoo’s Wells Fargo Family Farm is a must-see this season. Beginning April 1, Farm Babies kicks-off the Year of the Farm celebration with new piglets, chicks, ducklings, calves and goat kids. Guests will also enjoy the mid-summer “Family Farm Festival” and “Harvest Weekends” in the fall. Zoo Camp classes are also offered at the Wells Fargo Family Farm in the summer. Supporting the Minnesota Zoo’s “Year of the Farm” are Wells Fargo, Hormel, Land O’ Lakes and Gold ‘n Plump. The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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