Wheat Scoop: Agriland inspires generations at Kansas State Fair

What started as a small idea nearly three decades ago has grown into one of the most popular attractions at the Kansas State Fair. Agriland, the interactive agricultural exhibit in the Pride of Kansas Building, has been giving families and school groups a hands-on look at farming and food production since 1995. For Kansas Wheat and other commodity groups, it remains a key way to tell the story of agriculture in a format that sticks with visitors long after they leave Hutchinson.

The inspiration for Agriland came after the 1994 Kansas State Fair, when Cindy Falk, while working with the Kansas Wheat Commission (KWC), noticed that booths with interactive features drew more attention. 

“Every year, busloads of schoolchildren came to the fair, wide-eyed and ready to explore,” Falk said. “I couldn’t help but think how powerful it would be to have a place just for them, a space where they could see, touch and learn about the important role agriculture plays in their everyday lives.”

Soon after, Falk and KWC Administrator Steven Graham began conversations with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and commodity organizations across the state. Together, they launched the first Agriland exhibit, a 260-square-foot space in the middle of the Pride of Kansas Building. The idea quickly gained momentum, and with support from the fair staff and building superintendent, the display expanded to the east end of the building. 

“Honestly, I don’t remember any real obstacles,” Falk said. “Everyone pitched in to help fund it, build it and work the exhibit.”

The original goal was to highlight the wide variety of Kansas farm products and show how they connect to everyday life. Falk remembers lockers filled with items made from Kansas crops and livestock, such as crayons, a wool scarf and a football. Visitors could climb into a combine cab, step onto a livestock scale or explore bins of different grains. 

“Agriculture is the foundation of life, the one industry every person depends on to survive,” Falk said. “Here in Kansas, we are especially blessed. Our land, climate, water and people make this state one of the best places on earth to grow the crops and livestock that nourish families, not only here at home but all around the globe.”

Over the years, Agriland has grown into a staple of the state fair. Children line up to take turns on the combine simulator, which features harvest footage filmed on Kansas farms. Families pause for photos with animal cutouts, while teachers use free lesson plans and educational resources that extend the learning into classrooms across the state. Additions such as the cotton display, walk-through soil tunnel and an animatronic cow named Maybelle have kept the exhibit fresh and engaging.

Falk said some of her fondest memories are of families sharing laughter inside the exhibit or kids so eager to try each activity that volunteers needed stopwatches to move them along. She also recalls building the first Food Guide Pyramid with a wooden garden display, paint and food items, turning it into a colorful and inexpensive nutrition display. Today Agriland continues to grow, with commodity groups and farm organizations taking turns staffing the exhibit and sharing their stories with visitors.

For Falk, the most rewarding part is seeing how the exhibit has impacted generations. 

“It is inspiring to see its lasting impact, like the little boy who once perched on a horse saddle in Agriland and is now returning as a high school senior to assist in the exhibit,” she said. “Generations of families will keep exploring, learning and connecting with Kansas agriculture in a way that is as engaging as it is unforgettable.”

The Kansas State Fair opens on Sept. 5 - 14, 2025. This year, Agriland has a brand new Gleaner Combine Cab for everyone to explore! Visit Agriland for an action-packed, interactive agricultural experience in the Pride of Kansas Building, which has been giving families and school groups a hands-on look at farming and food production for generations.