More than 200 children and families visited the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Saturday, April 2, where they learned about soybeans, played at the education table and talked with farmers.

The Children’s Museum along with local soybean farmers, celebrated April Soy Month in Mankato, Minn. Visitors had the opportunity to see sprouting soybeans, soybean plants and harvested soybeans while learning what happens to soybeans after harvesting. Farmers were also giving out draw-string backpacks with fun education items, soy-crayons, pencils, and chocolate-cover soynuts, which were a big hit with the children.

“Our hope for supporting the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is that we can reach many families and teach them about modern agriculture,” said Vernon Pooch, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSR&PC) director and Education action team chair.

During the day, visitors who came to the Ag Lab could register to win soybean picture books to take home. Also in the booth was Minnesota Soybean’s education table. Learning by playing with the railroad, animals and crops kept many kids entertained while farmers and staff talked with parents.

Farmers, Lu Guse, Waseca County; Rochelle Krusemark, Martin County; and Lynette Zeigler, Blue Earth County volunteered to talk about agriculture and soybeans with families.

MSR&PC through its Education action team, has invested in the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, which opened in Mankato on May 1, 2015.  The Children’s Museum has interactive displays and programming aimed at inspiring curiosity and learning in science, technology, engineering, math, agriculture and the arts.