Fall is just around the corner – back to school, football season, and yes, the long-awaited farm harvest.

As a farmer, it’s one of my favorite times of year to experience agriculture. The weather is perfect for apple picking, hay rides and all things farm fun.  But you don’t have to live on a farm to enjoy the wondrous autumn season of garden bounty and frisky weanlings. There are a variety of opportunities for non-farmers to get a chance at the farm experience right here in Kansas.

Here are three ways your family can experience farm life this fall: 

Kansas State Fair - Sept. 9-18, Hutchinson

The Kansas State Fair is more than concerts and corndogs; it’s a celebration of Midwest culture and the industries (like agriculture) that build our communities. Hosting agriculture competitions and exhibits, the Kansas State Fair is a great place to experience farming at its finest.

While there are many farm-focused opportunities, here’s a line-up of my favorites:

• Butter Sculpture: This fair favorite is located in the Pride of Kansas Building, along with a variety of agriculture booths.
• Pig Races: Located on the north side of Bison Arena, the pig races are held daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Milking Parlor: Learn all about dairy cows (including how to milk one) at the Milking Parlor, located next to the Prairie Pavilion.
• Birthing Center: Who doesn’t love baby farm animals? Visit the Birthing Center, located at 20th Ave and Fort Scott Blvd, to see calves, lambs, piglets and chicks being born.
• Ag Central: You certainly don’t want to miss checking in with the state’s largest farm organization. Make sure you visit the Kansas Farm Bureau booth, Ag Central, in the Ad Astra Pavilion and snag your free gift for being a member.

Learn more at: www.kansasstatefair.com.

Kaw Valley Farm Tour - Oct. 1-2, Lawrence

With more than 30 farms and wineries participating, The Kaw Valley Farm Tour is a must-do for all farm fans. Completely customizable, this self-guided farm tour allows you to select the farms that pique you and your family’s interests. Meet an alpaca, visit a bee ranch, sample blueberry wine and learn how lavender is grown – all right here in Kansas.

At only $10 a carload (ticket good for both Saturday and Sunday), the Kaw Valley Farm Tour makes for a budget friendly, family fun weekend excursion. While the pass allows free admission to all participating farms, most tour participants plan on visiting four or five farms per day. Be sure to pay attention to the visiting hours, as many of the farms will close around 5 or 6 p.m.

Learn more at: www.kawvalleyfarmtour.org.

U-Pick Farms

Kansas is home to hundreds of “u-pick” farms offering a “farm” experience to the public. For a nominal fee, you and your family can learn all about how food is grown locally and enjoy picking your own produce right off the vine. Kansas offers a variety of produce that ripens in the fall season: apples, berries, corn, gourds, melons, pears, pumpkins, squash and many others.

While there are lots of “u-pick” farm listings available online, here are three great directories:

• Local Harvest
• Kansas Tourism
• Pick Your Own

When planning your “u-pick” trip, call ahead to make sure the garden goodies are still in season, schedule a picking time and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.