With all the farm talk this summer, children have decided to get in on the mix this Tuesday, too.

The Agribusiness Committee of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Day on the Farm for third-graders in Lyle and Austin schools from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sept. 18. About 400 students and teachers from Austin and Lyle are expected to participate in the annual tour of three farms.

Activities include short programs on farm production, foods derived from farm commodities, crops and livestock, and question and answer sessions with producers. The purpose of the event is to provide students with a greater appreciation for agriculture and an understanding of how food and other products get from the farm to tables and homes.

FFA and 4-H members will participate along with representatives of the Chamber, Austin Fire Department and Mower County Sheriff’s office.

Each farm site will offer students a look into different aspects of agriculture:

Sayles Dairy Farm

Three generations of the Sayles family operate this dairy farm. They milk 165 cows daily and have more than 300 cattle on the site. The tour includes a visit to the milking parlor, calf barn and an agronomy site. Ice cream treats will be provided.

Larry Gerlach Farm

The Gerlachs operate a hog finishing and row crop farm. Students will see the hog operation and large farm equipment. An agronomy station will provide information on how commodities, such as corn and soybeans, are processed into foods. Larry and his family will host this site along with members of the Future Farmers of America. Gifts from the Mower County Pork Producers will be provided.

Darrell Ingvaldson Farm

The Ingvaldsons’ farm is located about two miles east of the Austin Country Club along County Road 46. Children will view a variety of farm animals, including steers, llamas, chickens and pheasants. The Mower County Sheriff and Austin Fire departments will also be at this site to provide safety tips.