Kosciusko Taste Event Highlights Ag's Impact
Published: Friday, April 24, 2026
The Taste of Agriculture event was held April 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in Warsaw, offering families a hands-on look at how farming shapes life across the county.
Despite a muddy, flooded parking lot crowds steadily filed into the partly enclosed area, its dirt floor packed down from recent rain. Inside, 10 booths lined the space, each showcasing different aspects of local agriculture, from soil conservation to livestock and farming demonstrations, creating a lively, community-centered atmosphere.
The annual program, organized by the Kosciusko County Ag Awareness Committee, featured farm animals, education exhibits and plenty of treats.
Children lined up to plant marigolds and visit the chick station while nearby, a cow and a pig greeted visitors in the livestock area.
The scheduled goat appearance was canceled due to the severe weather moving through the area. At the tasting booth, Blacker's Sugar Bush offered samples of local maple syrup to curious guests.
Beyond the family-friendly displays, the event also highlighted the broader agricultural impact that continues to shaped Kosciusko County. While the county may be known for its lakes, it also has deep farming roots with over a million dairy cows, 163 poultry farms and nearly 298,904 acres of farmland, according to county data provided by Farm Bureau.
At the Indiana Farm Bureau booth, Travis and Meredith Adams highlighted their family's freezer beef, corn and wheat operation. Travis is president of the chapter
"It provided good things to farmers," he said. "It's a way to preserve farming for future generations."
The couple also emphasized soil conservation and the importance of buying local meat through in-homes sales and farmers markets.
The Watershed Foundation drew attention to water quality and conservation efforts across the county. Mariah Roberts, who was raised on a farm and now partners with TWF, said the organization partners with landowners and schools to educate about water management and environmental impact.
"I think it is neat to see the different aspects of ag in one place," she said.
Roberts also noted the role of recycling and solid waste in agriculture, starting they all work together.
Education was also front and center at the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District booth, where staff demonstrated proper recycling and waste handing techniques.
"People don't always know where to take things," said Janelle Meyer outreach coordinator. "There is the old way of thinking where it is okay to throw oil along a fence route or just burn everything. But that isn't really healthy, so bring it to us."
The Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District featured a representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Production and Conservation division to discuss soil health, disaster assistance and loan opportunities for farmers.
These, among other local agricultural groups, hosted activities, demonstrations and informational sessions throughout the event.
As evening settled over the fairgrounds, families packed up before the second round of storms arrived. Between syrup tastings, livestock displays and conservation lessons, the Taste of Agriculture highlighted the shared responsibility of caring for Kosciusko County's land, water and farming future.
Faith Mauger, Grace College student representative from the Lily Center for Lakes & Streams, said the event gave her a broader understanding of farming and environmental issues.
"It was definitely an eye-opener," she said. "Going around to other booths to learn about soil and farming techniques was an eye opener on what is going on locally."
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