Board members, donors, legislators, growers, and the media got a first-hand look at the center
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
The Food + Farm Exploration Center (FFEC) in Plover, Wisconsin, was buzzing with activity, November 30-December 2, during three Grand Opening events befitting of the brand-new facility.
The activities kicked off with a Ceremonial Grand Opening Program, November 30, for FFEC Board members and monetary donors, Wisconsin state legislators, industry professionals, growers, and media representatives.
That was followed, December 1, by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Portage County Area Business Council that included a private open house.
Last, but certainly not least, was a public Grand Opening, December 2, which officially kicked off the Exploration Center’s regular business hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays. The center is closed on Mondays.
The state-of-the-art FFEC facility is a science and technology center where visitors have the chance to learn about Wisconsin’s rich agricultural industry and innovative practices through an immersive experience.
It is a destination for learning, exploring, and celebrating agriculture, as well as being home to the world’s largest potato masher.
The 50,000-square-foot center sits on 24 acres generously donated by Worzella & Sons, Inc., and includes 60 hands-on, immersive, interactive exhibits, four acres of demonstration farm fields, a kitchen lab, Colorful Plate Café, meeting, events and exhibit space, an agriculture lab makerspace, Farm Tech Shed, and Ag Grand Hall.
