Super Smart Farm Show

Lancaster Farming

Kids have a lot of questions about farming, and the Super Smart Farm Show, Lancaster Farming's podcast for kids, has a lot of answers. Join us each week as we explore kid-friendly topics like why bees are important and why sheep need hair cuts. We here at the Super Smart Farm Show know it's fun to ask questions and wonder about the world we live in, especially when it comes to learning about how farmers feed and take care of us.

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#65
Tuesday · 10 min
How Do Farmers Make Corn Mazes?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're ready to get a little lost in order to find out how farmers create corn mazes each fall. If you've ever found yourself in the middle of a corn maze, you may have had a few questions: Where am I? How did I get here? Where do I go next? But have you ever asked: How did the farmer create this maze? Corn doesn't naturally grow with winding paths and fun patterns. So how do farmers manage to turn a field of corn into a twisty, turn-y maze? Join host Elmer and Frank the farmer as they take us down the path to the truth. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer visits Farmer Frank to discover how farmers turn a corn field into a corn maze. Young listeners learn that creating a corn maze starts with choosing and carefully planning a design, then mapping the paths in the field using measurements, GPS, mapping equipment or other tools. The episode explains two approaches to growing the corn maze: planting only the areas that will remain in the maze or planting the entire field and later cutting the paths with tractors, mowers or specialized equipment. Kids also learn why timing, careful measurements and following the maze map are important to creating the twists, turns and dead ends that make a maze challenging. The show explores what happens to the corn after maze season, including harvesting it for livestock feed or selling it to other farmers, and explains how corn mazes can provide additional farm income while remaining part of a working farm. Elmer and Frank also discuss the history of modern corn mazes, including an early widely recognized Pennsylvania maze created in 1993 as a tribute to Field of Dreams. Interactive quiz questions reinforce lessons about corn maze design, farming equipment, corn production and crop use, giving kids a fun introduction to the agricultural planning behind a favorite fall farm attraction.
#64
September 29 · 9 min
Why Do Farmers Wake Up So Early?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, it's time to rise and shine and talk about why farmers wake up so early in the morning. Most farmers get their days started early — so early, in fact, that by the time you get to school in the morning, most farmers have already put in a couple of hours worth of work! But why do they get up at the crack of dawn? Does the early farmer catch the worm? Or is it because there are jobs on the farm that just can't wait? Join host Elmer and Bessie the cow as they explain why most farmers are such early risers. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Bessie the Cow explore why farmers get up early and how a farmer's daily schedule depends on animals, crops, weather and other farm responsibilities. Young listeners learn why dairy farmers milk cows on a regular schedule, often twice a day, and why feeding livestock, providing clean water, checking for illness or injury, and maintaining clean and comfortable living areas are important parts of morning farm chores. The episode also explains why fruit and vegetable farmers may start early to harvest, clean, sort, pack and deliver fresh produce to farmers markets, while some farmers choose to complete outdoor work in the cooler morning hours before afternoon temperatures rise. Elmer and Bessie also discuss the importance of sleep and rest, including how much sleep children and adults need compared with cows. Interactive quiz questions reinforce lessons about dairy farming, livestock care, farm chores, farmers markets, harvesting fresh produce, weather and farm schedules, giving kids a fun, kid-friendly look at what happens on a farm before the rest of the day begins.
#63
September 22 · 10 min
Why Is Some Wheat Planted in the Fall?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're saying goodbye to summer and looking ahead to fall — and the crops that get planted when the weather cools down. Most crops are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. However, some types of wheat follow a different schedule: They're planted in the fall and harvested in the early summer. This kind of crop is called winter wheat. Why does it grow on a different schedule? Don't the crops wither in the winter weather? What's vernalization and what does it have to do with any of this? Join host Elmer and Winnie the wheat as they discuss what makes winter wheat different. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer learns about winter wheat, a wheat variety planted in the fall rather than the spring. With help from Winnie the Winter Wheat, young listeners learn how winter wheat grows after fall planting, becomes dormant during the winter and undergoes vernalization, a cold period that helps the plant produce grain when growth resumes in spring. The episode explores the differences between winter wheat and spring wheat, explains how varieties such as hard red winter wheat and soft red winter wheat are used to make flour for bread, cakes and cookies, and reveals why winter wheat is harvested in early summer. Kids also learn how winter wheat works as a cover crop, helping prevent soil erosion, add plant material and nutrients to the soil, and compete with weeds. Interactive quiz questions reinforce lessons about vernalization, soft red winter wheat and global wheat production, making the episode an engaging introduction to wheat farming, crop production, cover crops, soil health, plant dormancy and agricultural science.
#62
September 15 · 10 min
Do Pigs Actually Sweat?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we've got one scorcher of a question: Do pigs really sweat? The phrase 'sweating like a pig' is sometimes used to describe someone who's heavily perspiring. But hang on. Do pigs actually sweat? If they do, do they really sweat a lot? And if pigs don't really sweat, where does that phrase come from? Join host Elmer, Piper the pig and Farmer Wendy as they get to the bottom of this sweaty situation. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Piper the Pig investigate the question, "Do pigs actually sweat?" Young listeners learn that pigs have some sweat glands but have a very limited ability to cool themselves through sweating, so they rely on shade, fresh water, cool surfaces, mud and good airflow to stay comfortable during hot weather. Piper explains how mud helps cool pigs as it evaporates from their skin, while also providing protection from the sun and biting insects, making heat management an important part of pig care and livestock welfare. The episode then takes a fascinating turn into history and language as Farmer Wendy explains the possible connection between the phrase "sweating like a pig" and pig iron, a type of iron made by pouring molten iron into molds shaped like a sow and her piglets. Elmer emphasizes that the exact origin of the expression is uncertain, giving kids a lesson in how historical questions don't always have definitive answers. With interactive quizzes, farm animal facts and kid-friendly explanations, this episode explores pig behavior, animal science, livestock care, heat stress, pig cooling methods, pig iron and the history behind common expressions.
#61
September 8 · 9 min
Why Do Some Fields Grow Different Crops Each Year?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're having a field day while talking about why farmers like to move their crops around. Keen farm observers may notice that farmers will sometimes move their crops around. A field that's growing corn one year will have soybeans next year and the old soybean field is now full of corn. Is there a reason for playing musical crops? And what does it have to do with the soil and weeds? Join host Elmer, Sawyer the soil scientist and Marvin the marestail weed as they talk about crop rotation. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Sawyer the Soil Scientist explain why farmers practice crop rotation and how planting different crops in the same fields from year to year can improve soil health and farm sustainability. Young listeners learn how crops have different nutrient needs, including how corn uses significant amounts of nitrogen while soybeans use nitrogen fixation to make atmospheric nitrogen available in the soil. The episode explores several benefits of crop rotation, including improving soil fertility, reducing soil erosion, disrupting crop pests and diseases, and helping farmers manage weeds through varied herbicides, tillage practices and cover crops. Marvin the Marestail Weed adds some humor while demonstrating how changing crops can make weed management more challenging for persistent weeds. The show also reveals that crop rotation has been practiced for thousands of years, with evidence of the practice dating to around 6000 B.C. in the Middle East. Through interactive quizzes and kid-friendly explanations, this episode teaches children about crop production, soil conservation, nitrogen fixation, pest management, weed control, sustainable agriculture and the science behind healthy farmland.
#60
September 1 · 10 min
Do Farm Animals Like to Play?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're having fun with some of the younger animals on the farm. Play is an important part of childhood, plus it's just plain fun! But do young farm animals like to play, too? And if they do enjoy playing, how do they play? They can't exactly play kickball or jump rope. And what, besides fun, is the point of all that playing? Join host Elmer, Farmer Clementine, Charlie the calf and Daisy the kid as they discuss playtime in the pasture. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer explores the fascinating question of whether young farm animals play just for fun and discovers that play is an important part of growing, learning and developing essential skills. With help from Charlie the Calf, Daisy the Goat Kid and farmer Clementine, young listeners learn how calves run, jump, buck and chase each other to build muscle, improve coordination and develop social skills, while goat kids climb, balance, jump and bounce to practice movement and learn where to place their feet. The episode also highlights playful behavior in lambs, piglets, foals and baby chickens, along with examples from wild animals such as bears, foxes and dolphins. Through fun comparisons and interactive quizzes, the show explains how animal play helps young animals develop physical abilities, social skills and behaviors they may need as adults, while drawing parallels to how play helps human children build coordination, strength and other important skills. This engaging episode introduces kids to farm animals, animal behavior, animal development, livestock, animal science and the important role of play in growing up.
#59
August 25 · 8 min
What's the Difference Between Silos and Grain Bins?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, it's time to figure out it once and for all: what's a silo and what's a grain bin? Picture it: You're riding down the road and you see a tall, cylindrical structure rising up from a farm. Is it a silo? Or is it a grain bin? What's the difference? Is it just on the outside or is there more going on inside these farm structures making them different from each other? Join host Elmer and Cornelia corn as they learn about the difference between silos and grain bins. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Cornelia the Corn help young listeners understand the difference between grain bins and silos, two common structures found on farms. The episode explains that grain bins store harvested grains such as corn kernels and soybeans, while silos store and ferment chopped whole-plant crops, such as corn silage, into nutrient-rich livestock feed. Kids learn how grain bins are typically short, wide structures made from corrugated steel and designed to provide airflow that keeps grain dry, while silos are taller and narrower and are commonly made from concrete or glass-fused steel. The show also introduces the science of fermentation and explains how airtight silos create the conditions needed to turn green corn plants into silage that cattle and other livestock can eat. With seasonal lessons about corn silage harvest in late summer and early fall and grain harvest later in the fall, plus an interactive quiz, this episode teaches children about farm storage, grain handling, corn production, livestock feed, silage, fermentation and agricultural structures in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
#58
August 18 · 7 min
Why Are Cows Milked Every Day?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're heading over to the milking parlor to talk about why cows need to be milked every day. When it comes to milking cows, most dairy farms do it twice or even three times a day. Smaller farms may only milk once a day. The point is, the cows need to be milked every single day. Why is that? Is it just to keep the milk flowing? And what about the cows? Do they like getting milked so often? Join host Elmer and Bessie the cow as they discuss how dairy farms keep their cows milked and happy. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Bessie the cow answer a listener question about why dairy cows need to be milked every day. Young listeners learn that dairy cows can produce an average of eight gallons of milk per day, making regular milking important for cow comfort, health and milk production. Bessie explains how consistent milking helps prevent painful udder problems such as mastitis and can contribute to a lower somatic cell count, an important indicator of milk quality. The episode also explores why dairy farmers maintain consistent milking schedules—whether cows are milked once, twice or three times a day—and how good cow care, clean milking equipment and established routines benefit both cattle and farmers. Through interactive quizzes and kid-friendly explanations, the episode teaches children about dairy farming, cow health, milk production, udder health and the daily routines of dairy farmers, while explaining how the milk produced on farms becomes products such as cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream.
#57
August 11 · 11 min
Why Do Tractors Have Such Big Wheels?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're wheel-y excited to find out why tractor wheels are so gigantic. Tractor wheels aren't like the wheels on your bicycle or your family's car. They're much, much bigger. In fact, depending on the tractor, they might actually be taller than the roof of your family's car. But why do tractors need such big wheels? Why do they need to be so tall and wide? Join host Elmer and farmer Merle as they discuss why tractor wheels are shaped that way. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here This episode of the Super Smart Farm Shown explores the science behind tractor wheels and why farm equipment needs such large, wide tires. With help from Elmer and farmer friend Merle, listeners learn how tall tractor tires help machines move across rough, uneven fields and crop residue, while wider tires spread the tractor's weight over a larger area to reduce soil compaction. The episode explains why protecting soil health matters for plant roots, water movement, nutrients and healthy crops, and introduces tracked tractors, which distribute weight over an even larger surface area. Elmer and Merle also discuss steel-wheeled tractors, including their use among some Amish and Mennonite farmers, and how farmers choose tractor tires and equipment based on their specific farming needs. Packed with kid-friendly explanations, fun comparisons, quizzes and fascinating tractor facts—including wheels that can reach seven to eight feet tall—this episode teaches young listeners about tractors, farm machinery, agricultural technology, soil health and sustainable farming practices.
#56
August 4 · 10 min
Why Are Crops Safe From Herbicides?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're heading out to the fields and getting into the weeds to figure out why herbicides don't harm crops. Herbicides are chemicals that some farmers use to kill weeds. But here's the thing: Farmers spray herbicides across entire fields, meaning the chemicals are applied to both weeds and crops like corn or soybeans. From there, herbicides do their work and kill off the weeds. But how do the crops stay safe? Join host Elmer, Cornelia the corn and Marvin the marestail weed as they discuss why herbicides don't kill everything growing in a field—just the weeds. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here This episode of the Super Smart Farm Show answers the question why don't herbicides kill crops along with the weeds? With help from Cornelia the Corn and Marvin the Marestail Weed, kids learn how herbicides work, why farmers carefully choose products that target specific weeds while protecting crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, and how modern crop varieties can tolerate certain herbicides when used correctly. The episode explains the science behind weed control in agriculture, the importance of reducing competition for water, sunlight, and soil nutrients, and introduces the concept of integrated weed management, including crop rotation, cover crops, cultivation, and hand weeding. Packed with fun characters, interactive quizzes, and easy-to-understand explanations, this episode helps children discover how farmers use science and multiple weed-control strategies to grow healthy crops while protecting the food we depend on.
#55
July 28 · 10 min
Why Do Only Some Cows Have Horns?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're going straight to the experts to find out why only some cows have horns. You may have noticed that some cows have horns. Some have little horns, some have big horns and some may even have horns as wide as a car! But some cows don't have any horns at all. Why is that? Is it because only boy cows have horns? Or is it because only some breeds of cows have horns? Or is it something else? Join host Elmer, Bessie the cow and Brody the steer as they discuss why some cows have horns and others don't. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and the Moo Crew answer a common question: Do only boy cows have horns? Listeners learn that both male and female cattle can have horns, depending on their breed and genetics, not their sex. Bessie the Holstein explains the role of genes, horn buds, and why many dairy calves are disbudded for safety, while Brody the Black Angus steer introduces the concept of polled cattle, meaning they are naturally born without horns. Along the way, kids discover fascinating facts about Holsteins, Black Angus, Texas Longhorns, Highland cattle, and Ankole-Watususi cattle, explore how horns develop, and learn why some breeds keep their impressive horns as part of their heritage. Packed with interactive quizzes and kid-friendly explanations, this episode is perfect for children curious about farm animals, cattle breeds, agriculture, animal science, and how cows grow horns.
#54
July 21 · 10 min
Does Mulch Have Secret Super Powers?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're getting down in the dirt and figuring what's going on with mulch. What is mulch? Why is it so important for plants and soil? It may not look like much at first, but mulch is more powerful than it may appear. It turns out, mulch has all kinds of powers that help protect plants, including fruits and vegetables. Join host Elmer, Farmer Wendy and Peter the pumpkin as they talk about all things mulch. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Farmer Wendy answer the question, "Why is mulch important?", and explain how this simple gardening material plays a big role in helping plants thrive. Young listeners discover how mulch protects soil, conserves moisture by reducing evaporation, suppresses weeds by blocking sunlight, prevents erosion, and helps regulate soil temperature for healthier crops. The episode explores the different types of mulch—including straw, wood chips, compost, and plastic mulch—and how farmers choose the best option for fruits and vegetables. Peter the Pumpkin joins the conversation to show how mulch protects pumpkins and other produce from rot, disease, and wet soil while they grow. Packed with fun quizzes and easy-to-understand science, this family-friendly episode teaches kids and gardeners alike why mulch is an essential tool for healthy gardens, sustainable farming, water conservation, vegetable gardening, and successful crop production.
#53
July 14 · 9 min
Are Dairy Farms High Tech?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're getting smart and looking at some of the ways dairy farmers use technology on their farms. Smart tech has become a big part of life for many people, but what role does it play on a dairy farm? Do cows really wear smart watches? How do farmers use technology to feed cows? What roll do robots play in milking? Join host Elmer, Bessie the cow and animal food nutritionist Nina as they discuss how dairy farms use smart technology to care for cows. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! Thank You to Our Sponsor Fulton Bank For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Bessie introduce young listeners to the fascinating world of technology on modern dairy farms, showing how innovation helps farmers care for their cows. Kids learn how wearable cow activity monitors—similar to smartwatches—track health, eating, movement, rumination, and temperature, allowing farmers to spot potential health issues early. Animal nutritionist Nina explains how robotic feeding systems deliver precise amounts of feed while collecting valuable data that helps create balanced diets for dairy cattle. The episode also explores robotic milking systems, including automated milkers and rotary milking parlors, explaining how technology saves time while improving animal care. Through interactive quiz questions and fun conversations, children discover that while not every dairy farm uses the same equipment, today's farmers combine science, technology, and careful management to keep cows healthy and produce high-quality milk. Perfect for young learners interested in dairy farming, agricultural technology, robots on farms, STEM, and how modern farms work.
#52
July 7 · 10 min
Do Farmers Go On Vacation?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're talking about packing our bags and going on vacation — but first we have to find someone to watch the farm! Plenty of folks go on vacation during the summer to relax and enjoy themselves. But for farmers, taking a trip away from the farm isn't as easy as packing a suitcase and jumping in the car. Before they can leave, farmers have to make sure their farm is in good hands. Who looks after the crops? Who cares for the animals? Join host Elmer, farmer Clementine and Wally the sheep as they discuss how farmers are able to take a well-earned break. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, kids discover the answer to the question, "Do farmers ever get to take vacations?" Elmer and Clementine explain why taking time away from the farm requires careful planning, since livestock need daily care and crops follow busy seasonal schedules. Young listeners learn how farmers choose slower times of the year to travel, rely on trusted family members, neighbors, farm employees, or professional farm sitters to care for animals, and why dairy cows, sheep, goats, and other livestock can't simply be left alone. The episode also explores the importance of farmer mental health, rest, and work-life balance, showing how vacations can help farmers recharge, stay healthy, and even return home with fresh ideas for their farms. Filled with interactive quiz questions, relatable farm humor, and real-world agricultural lessons, this educational episode gives children a deeper appreciation for the year-round dedication of farmers while teaching that everyone—even those who feed the world—needs an occasional break.
#51
June 30 · 13 min
What Did Farming Look Like in 1776?
America is turning 250 this week and on the Super Smart Farm Show we're celebrating by taking a look back at what farming was like 1776. A lot has changed since America was founded in 1776 and farming is no exception. Farmers 250 years ago didn't have the same tools and resources as farmers today, but they were still able to make do with hard work and relying on each other. Join host Elmer and his farmer friends Frank, Clementine, Merle and Wendy as they cook up some burgers and talk about how farmers have been feeding America for 250 years. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here This special Fourth of July episode of the Super Smart Farm Show celebrates America's 250th anniversary by exploring what farming was like in 1776 and how early American farmers helped build the nation. During a festive farm barbecue, Elmer and his friends explain how colonial farmers grew crops, raised livestock, and relied on horses, oxen, hand tools, and teamwork long before tractors and modern machinery existed. Young listeners discover why flax was used to make clothing and linen, how wheat was milled into flour for bread, and why beans, corn, pumpkins, squash, onions, cabbage, and carrots were essential crops for feeding families year-round. The episode also highlights the important role farmers played during the American Revolutionary War, providing food for soldiers and communities while helping the young nation thrive. Filled with interactive quizzes, fascinating agricultural history, and patriotic fun, this educational episode teaches kids how colonial farming, American agriculture, and the hardworking spirit of farmers have shaped the United States for 250 years.
#50
June 23 · 8 min
How Is Ice Cream Made?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're talking about everyone's favorite cool, creamy treat: ice cream! Did you know that June is national Dairy Month? It's a time when we celebrate the farmers and animals that provide us with the milk we drink and use to make dairy products like cheese, yogurt, butter and best of all, ice cream! But how exactly does milk from the cow become delicious ice cream? Join host Elmer and Bessie the cow as they talk about what needs to happen for milk to become ice cream. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Bessie the dairy cow celebrate June Dairy Month by exploring how ice cream is made, from fresh milk on the dairy farm to the frozen treat enjoyed by millions of Americans. Young listeners learn the step-by-step ice cream production process, including how milk is mixed with sugar and stabilizers, then pasteurized and homogenized to ensure safety and quality before flavors and mix-ins are added. The episode explains the science behind creamy ice cream, including the role of air, stabilizers, chilling, and ultra-cold freezing temperatures in creating a smooth texture. Along the way, kids discover important dairy industry concepts, learn where products like cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream come from, and gain a fun introduction to food science, dairy farming, milk processing, and the journey from cow to cone.
#49
June 16 · 8 min
Why Are Barns Painted Red?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're talking about one of the most iconic images in American farming: red barns. Barns come in plenty of colors, but why are so many of them painted red? Does it have to do with the paint? Or do farmers just really like the color? And why red? Why aren't more barns purple or blue? Join host Elmer and Farmer Wendy as they talk about the history of red barns and why they're still so popular today. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and Farmer Wendy explore the fascinating history behind America's iconic red barns. Young listeners discover why farmers originally painted barns red, learning how early homemade paint was made from ingredients like milk, linseed oil, lime, and iron oxide, which gave barns their distinctive red color while protecting wood from weather and rot. The episode explains how red paint became the most affordable and practical option for 19th-century farmers, eventually evolving into a lasting symbol of rural life and American agriculture. Along the way, kids learn about barn preservation, farm history, traditional farming practices, and the important role barns play in protecting livestock, crops, and equipment, making this a colorful lesson in agricultural history and farm science.
#48
June 9 · 9 min
Why Do Animals Like Salt Licks?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're talking about salt licks. We all love salty snacks like pretzels or potato chips. But do animals enjoy salt licks simply for their tastes? Or are they getting something more from those salt blocks? Join host Elmer and Poppy the pony as they discuss why animals enjoy salt licks and how those same licks help keep animals healthy. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer and his pony friend Poppy explore the important role of salt licks for farm animals, answering a listener question about why animals love them. Young listeners learn how salt blocks provide essential minerals such as sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and zinc that help support healthy bones, muscles, nerves, hydration, and overall livestock health. The episode explains why horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, goats, and even wild deer seek out salt sources, while also teaching how salt encourages animals to drink more water and stay properly hydrated. Through fun quizzes and farm-based storytelling, the show highlights the connection between animal nutrition, mineral supplements, livestock management, and responsible farming practices, helping kids understand why salt licks are a vital part of caring for healthy farm animals.
#48
June 2 · 10 min
Why Are Strawberries First to the Fruit Party?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're ringing in the summer with one of the first fruits of the season: strawberries. It seems like the moment the weather gets warmer, strawberries are here and ready for picking. But how did they manage to ripen weeks, if not months before the rest of the summer fruits? Just how long have they been preparing for strawberry season? The answer may surprise you! Join host Elmer and Ruby the strawberry as they discuss how strawberries manage to be one of the first fresh fruits to ripen in the summer. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, we explore the science behind why strawberries ripen earlier than other fruits, with help from Ruby the Strawberry. The show explains that strawberries are perennial plants, meaning they return year after year instead of being replanted from seed each spring. Listeners learn how strawberry plants store energy in their roots and crowns, allowing them to grow quickly as soon as temperatures warm up. The episode also highlights that strawberries are cool-season crops that thrive in chilly spring weather and can better tolerate cold temperatures than many other fruit plants. Young listeners discover how strawberry plants prepare for spring by forming flower buds during the previous fall, giving them a major head start on fruit production. The show also explores how growing close to the ground helps strawberries benefit from warmer soil temperatures in early spring. Packed with fun quizzes and engaging farm science, the episode offers an educational introduction to strawberry farming, perennial plants, spring fruit production and plant growth cycles.
#46
May 26 · 12 min
How Do Tractors Move?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're talking about what it takes to get tractors moving from one end of the field to the other. From gears to crankshafts, pistons to transmissions, there are a lot of words and moving parts keeping those tractors chugging along. But how do they all work together to keep farming machines running? Join host Elmer and farmers Merle and Pearl as they discuss how tractors move. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here This episode of the Super Smart Farm Show takes young listeners inside the world of farm machinery with a fun, educational breakdown of how tractors work. Elmer visits Pearl and Merle in the repair shop to answer a listener question about how tractors move, using a classic John Deere 4020 diesel tractor as the example. Kids learn how diesel engines power tractors through cylinders, pistons, crankshafts, transmissions, gears, axles, and wheels, while interactive quiz questions keep the episode engaging and easy to follow. The show explains the difference between diesel and gasoline engines, how combustion creates motion, and why tractors use different gears for heavy farm work. Packed with agricultural education, tractor mechanics, STEM learning, and hands-on farming knowledge, this family-friendly podcast episode makes complex farm equipment concepts simple and entertaining for children and curious farm fans alike.

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