Released on June 17, 2009
The Saskatchewan Science Centre is proud to announce the opening of Richardson Ag-grow-land, a magnificent new permanent exhibit showcasing agriculture in Saskatchewan.
Richardson Ag-grow-land highlights current farm practices, celebrates the science and cutting edge tools of modern day agriculture in Saskatchewan and demonstrates the influence that Saskatchewan's agriculture industry has around the world.
"While agriculture has always been a fundamental part of life in Saskatchewan and a pillar of its economy, it is not always well understood," Richardson International Limited President Curt Vossen said. "Richardson International Limited saw Ag-grow-land as the perfect opportunity to introduce children to modern agriculture in a dynamic and fun environment. In doing so, we ensure that future generations will continue to appreciate and support agriculture in Saskatchewan. We are also proud of the fact that this project came about through the leadership of agriculturally based corporations with support from the public sector."
The Saskatchewan Science Centre's mascot, Discovery Jones, and his dog, Tungsten, take you on a tour of the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan. From driving a combine to shipping lentils to India, this interactive and exhilarating exhibit shows how high-tech agriculture has become.
"Agriculture is such an important part of our province, and vital to our future success," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to be a sponsor of Ag-grow-land and give kids hands-on experience in one of our major industries."
Kids can climb to the top of a soaring inland terminal and distribute the grain that comes from the land of living sky. Hop across the mountains and enter a port on the west coast to load your grain from a train into a port terminal. Then load it on to a cargo ship and take the product to markets around the world.
Drive a combine and experience harvest on a beautiful autumn day. Load grain trucks, learn about soils and crops, watch a calf being born, play the market, and look at micro-organisms - it's all in a day's work at Richardson Ag-grow-land.
Everything is kid-sized, scaled down and made more fun in this 2000-square-foot exhibit, an entertaining way to introduce kids to an important part of the Saskatchewan economy and the science behind it.
"Showcasing Saskatchewan industries and innovations is a priority for the Saskatchewan Science Centre," Saskatchewan Science Centre Board of Directors Chair Bruce Crouter said. "We're thrilled to have this group of agricultural leaders join us in building this exhibit."
About Richardson International Limited
Richardson International Limited, a subsidiary of James Richardson & Sons, Limited, is the largest privately owned Canadian agribusiness. It handles all major grains, oilseeds, and special crops and sells crop inputs and related services through ag business centres throughout Canada. Richardson International Limited, which has over 1,400 employees, is also actively involved in food processing through its subsidiary Richardson Oilseed Limited.
About the Saskatchewan Science Centre
The Saskatchewan Science Centre is a non-profit, non-governmental educational facility with the mission of igniting scientific curiosity and innovation in Saskatchewan communities through interactive, dynamic and engaging opportunities. Our vision of the future, in fulfilling that mission, is inspired minds through science and innovation. The Science Centre is one of Saskatchewan's largest family tourist attractions with close to four million visitors since its opening in 1989.
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For more information, contact:
Collette Parks
Saskatchewan Science Centre
Regina
Phone: 306-791-7917
Email: cparks@sasksciencecentre.com
Jean-Marc Ruest
Richardson International
Winnipeg
Phone: 204-934-5488
Email: Jean-Marc.Ruest@richardson.ca
Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca