Spotlight: Fun, health, history at MAC Farm Field Day

Maricopa Agricultural Center youth extension agent Victor Jimenez stopped by our InMaricopa studio to discuss what the MAC Farm is, why it’s important and what MAC Farm Field Day is all about.

The MAC Farm is a 2,100-acre research and education facility for the University of Arizona. The farm serves as both a research center for desert dwelling plants and a historical figure for the city of Maricopa. Farming and agriculture has always been a part of Maricopa’s past, so the MAC Farm keeps that tradition alive.

MAC FARM FAMILY FIELD DAY

“We have scientists that study all about plants that grow in desert environments, and we collect that information and share it with scientists around the world,” Jimenez said. “We bring thousands of children to the farm each year through educational field trips, and they love it.”

The MAC Farm will also host its annual Field Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the farm on Smith-Enke Road. The event is expected to feature history lessons on the farm, tractor rides around the complex, face painting, a petting zoo, corn maze, Conner the Clown, cricket spitting contests and various other demonstrations of farm equipment.

“We’re looking forward to a great day,” Jimenez said. “It’s a free [event] for all, and we’re expecting well over 1,000 people up there. Like we always like to say, ‘It’s all happening at the Farm.’”