Thousands of Sioux Falls area consumers have taken in the Pipestone Discovery Barn while attending the Sioux Empire Fair. Organizer and Pipestone Holdings Director of Public Relations Sylvia Wolters says they’ve been thrilled with the attendance and they have a lot of new features this year.

However, she says the most popular attraction is still the piglets and calves that have been born on site at the Discovery Barn.

Pipestone Holdings Vice President Dr. Barry Kerkaert says they believe the Discovery Barn has made enroads in educating consumers about agriculture and food production.

And fairgoers like Kennedy Plagman of Sioux Falls agree that the hands-on environment helped her learn about farming. She says her favorite activity was petting the chickens.

The Sioux Empire Fair runs through the weekend.