Ralco Enrichment Center educates fairgoers
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MARSHALL – At every Lyon County Fair, the Ralco Enrichment Center introduces people of all ages to a wide variety of farm animals.
Located on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds near Hoop Barn, the Enrichment Center involves the sponsorship of the Ralco feed company and a group of co-sponsors. Many of them provide the animals needed for exhibits.
Members of the Future Farmers of America chapters at Marshall, Tracy and Lakeview high schools volunteer as display attendants.
"We all work together to have something substantial that fills up the building, " said Tracy FFA advisor Elizabeth Rupp. "Each year we bring back things that are popular. We also always look for ways to add new items."
She said a new addition in 2026 is turkeys. They come directly from Ralco's research barn, where they're used to measure the effectiveness of feed products.
Sheep for the Enrichment Center were provided by John Boerboom. The Pipestone Systems hog production company furnished a sow that farrowed baby pigs on Tuesday. Chickens came from Elsie Knott, and eggs were provided by Hoovers Hatchery.
Although the sponsors have different farm related enterprises, they share a desire to reach out to the general public in a way that offers a firsthand look at animal agriculture.
"Mainly we hope everyone learns from it," Rupp said. "It's for people of all ages. We want it to attract young families, senior citizens, those who have farm backgrounds, and those who only see animals at the county fair."
Dave Rialson, a Lyon County Fair Board member who serves as the Ralco Enrichment Center manager, said he likes seeing kids take an interest in the animals. He also enjoys it when farmers talk about their past experiences.
"It's nice when people of all ages enjoy it," Rialson said. "We get older farmers who talk about their history and sometimes learn new things. It's very interesting to hear their stories."
Kimmie Martin of Pipestone Systems works with nine different agricultural enrichment events in three states. She said Pipestone Systems believes in taking part in projects that educate the public about the pork industry and farming.
"We're committed to education," Martin said. "We want people to know how their food is produced. It's good that they see a live sow with very young pigs."
Jason Knott, 10, of Marshall, and his 8-year-old brother Jacob toured the Ralco Enrichment Center as part of their Friday afternoon trip to the fair.
They enjoyed the fair with their grandmother, Sharon, who said the Enrichment Center and the Lyon County Fair in general offer a one of a kind opportunity to enjoy traditions of farms and homes.
"We come every day of the fair," Sharon said. "It's always a good experience. We live in Marshall, so we don't get to look at animals except during the fair. It's important that children from town have an opportunity."
Hudson Heichel of Marshall took in his his first county fair on Friday with his parents, Ben and Emily Heichel of Marshall.
At the Ralco Enrichment Center he was treated to a close up look at one of the baby pigs. Martin held up one of the three day old pigs while Ben lifted Hudson to where he could easily see it.
"We were out and about today, and decided to spend some time at the fair," Ben said. "We wanted to give our son an opportunity to see live animals."