For Release: Immediate
Contact: Shanna Weaver
Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show
817-877-2400

STOCK SHOW ENTERTAINS WHILE IT EDUCATES

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Interactive, educational fun is a hallmark of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and 2007 will prove to be no different. This year’s show will continue with the tradition of having several fun-filled educational attractions including Planet Agriculture, Compass Bank Petting Zoo, The Milking Parlor and the FFA Children’s Barnyard.

“Planet Agriculture,” presented by TXU Energy, is a virtual tour highlighting the ins-and-outs of farming and livestock production. Agriculture – crop production, livestock and related industries – intertwines with urban and rural lives daily and Planet Agriculture illustrates these dynamics in a fun and educational setting. In an environment that engages the young and young at heart, the 5,200 square-foot facility is your doorway to farming and ranching, providing a fascinating experience through sight, sound and touch. Try your hand at calf roping, see cotton ginning demonstrations, learn with touch-screen computer stations and enjoy the TXU Energy Stage presentations. Planet Agriculture, located in the South Exhibits Hall between the Sheep Barn and Cattle Barn 1, is produced and operated by the Texas Farm Bureau and is open daily during the run of the Stock Show. TXU Energy, the largest deregulated energy marketer in Texas, is proud to present Planet Agriculture. TXU Energy provides electricity to more than 2.4 million customers in the state of Texas.

“The Compass Bank Petting Zoo is a great way for children to become familiar with farm animals. But, it proves to be as much fun for mom and dad as it is for the kids,” said W.R. Watt, Jr., President and General Manager. Children can get up close and personal with a variety of young animals including goats, sheep, deer and wallabies. One can touch, pet and even feed these four-legged critters, and admission is free, courtesy of Compass Bank. The institution, with 26 branches in the Tarrant/Parker County area, was recognized in 2006 by Forbes Magazine as the Top Performing Bank in the country. “The Compass Bank Petting Zoo has been a favorite destination at the Stock Show for many years”, said Brian Happel, Compass Bank’s Fort Worth Market President. “We are proud to be sponsoring this family-friendly exhibit which is part of the Stock Show’s overall emphasis on promoting education and awareness for all ages, especially children.” This special exhibit is open daily near the north entrance to Will Rogers Coliseum.

While a long-time Stock Show attraction, the ever-popular Milking Parlor, located between Cattle Barns 1 and 2, continues to be a major draw. The magic of milking comes to life right before your eyes as dairy cattle are milked utilizing the modern milking technologies of today’s commercial dairies. The educational exhibit features a five-stall, glass enclosed milking parlor. Times for the demonstrations will be posted in the milking demonstration area.

The FFA Children’s Barnyard, located between the Sheep and Swine Barns, presents mother farm animals with their young. Members of area Texas FFA Chapters will be on hand in the Barnyard Building to care for the animals and answer any questions visitors have. The barnyard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.