New Glass Barn exhibit combines learning and fun

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 1, 2021) — After COVID-19 restrictions effectively cancelled the 2020 Indiana State Fair, the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) is ready to welcome patrons back to the Glass Barn in a big way in 2021. How big? Nearly 35 feet long and 20 feet tall in the form of an interactive combine simulator.

“This has been an incredible undertaking and something that will serve as the flagship exhibit in the Glass Barn for many years to come,” said Elaine Gillis, a Delaware County farmer, ISA board member and featured farmer in the Glass Barn. “We recognize that only a small portion of the visitors to the Glass Barn have ever been up-close to a combine, let alone have ever had the chance to ride in one. Through this new installation, everyone will have the opportunity to virtually operate a combine and be immersed in this one-of-a-kind experience.”

This exhibit will invite our guests to climb up into the custom-made simulator to see, hear and feel how these massive machines help Hoosier soybean farmers harvest their versatile crop each fall. Outside of the cab, visitors will be treated to even more information about the engineering that goes into making these farm implements work, a history of ag innovation over the past century, and the versatility of soybeans and all their uses beyond feed.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the Glass Barn renovation is that, even after adding this enormous new exhibit, none of the crowd favorites have been removed. Glass Barn visitors will still enjoy the iCreate exhibit, the PictureU photobooth, the uFarm game, and live, farmer chats hosted three times per day (11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) during the State Fair. During the farmer chats, visitors will get an opportunity to virtually visit Indiana farms and have a chance to win $25 grocery gift cards and milkshake coupons.

As part of this year’s fair, ISA is asking Indiana soybean farmers to submit their recent family photos to be featured in the Glass Barn slideshow. Submit to glassbarn@indianasoybean.com.

The Glass Barn, sponsored by the Indiana soybean checkoff, has welcomed thousands of visitors at the Indiana State Fair since 2013. This interactive building gives fairgoers an inside look at Indiana’s agriculture industry through engaging displays, games and programs. Visit www.glassbarn.org for more information.

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About Indiana Soybean Alliance: The Indiana Soybean Alliance works to enhance the viability of Indiana soybean farmers through the effective and efficient investment of soybean checkoff funds that protect and promote the interest of Indiana soybean farmers. The ISA works to assist soybean farmers through its strategic initiatives of market development; environmental, social and economic sustainability; value creation and producer engagement. ISA is led by an elected, farmer board that directs investments of the soybean checkoff funds on behalf of more than 20,000 Indiana soybean farmers. Learn more at indianasoybean.com