Super Smart Farm Show
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.
Episodes
Why Are Horses Measured in Hands?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're tossing aside our rulers and learning how to measure horses and ponies — in hands. How tall are you? Forty inches? Three feet tall? Ten hands tall? Wait, what? Humans are usually measured in feet or inches, but horses and ponies get measured in hands. But why? How big is a hand? And why do we use hands instead legs or feet or other body parts? Join hos
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 pa
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
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 gr
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
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
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
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
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 the
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? Joi
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 k
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
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
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 fo
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 f
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
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 c
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
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 f
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 y
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 h
How Does Grain Go From Field to Feed?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're talking about how animal feed gets from the corn and grain fields to the feed troughs. The main ingredients in farm animal feed are grown on farms, but the process of getting the crops from the field to the feed bins is more complicated than you might think. Where does the corn and grain go after it's been harvested? How do farmers know their animals a
What If Farmers Let the Weeds Win?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're pulling on our work gloves and getting ready to do battle with one of farmers' biggest enemies: weeds. But what would happen if farmers stopped fighting and let the weeds win? Would weeds totally take over? And how are they so good at growing and multiplying so quickly? Join host Elmer, farmer Clementine and Marvin the marestail weed as they discuss an
How Do Farmers Know How Deep to Plant Seeds?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're sowing seeds of knowledge by asking how do farmers know how deep to plant their seeds. It's time to get seeds in the ground, but hang on a second. What's the right right depth for planting corn? What about carrots? How do farming keep track of it all? Is there a special farm school where they can learn this kind of thing? Join host Elmer and Sammy the
Why Do Farms Smell Funny in the Spring?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're taking a big whiff as we try to figure out why farms smell so funny in the spring. Spring is a time for all sorts of scents. Some are pleasant, like the smell of fresh flowers in bloom. But others are a little more pungent … like the smell of a farm while farmers prepare their fields for growing season. By why do farms smell so funky in the spring? Bey
Are Dandelions Really That Bad?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're springing into action to find out if dandelions are really that bad or if they just get a bad rap. Dandelions are one of the first signs of spring, but many people see them as annoying weeds that need to be removed from yards, fields and gardens. But why all the hate? Could those little yellow flowers actually provide some benefits? Join host Elmer and
Why Are There So Many Names for Cows?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're trotting out to the field to figure out why there are so many different words for cows. What's the difference between a cow and a heifer? What about a steer and a bull? And what exactly is a bovinae? Join host Elmer and Brody the beef steer as they discuss why cattle go by different names and why having those different names are important for farmers.
How Do Farmers Know It's Time to Plant Corn?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're putting away our winter coats and rolling up our sleeves to figure out how farmers know when it's time to plant corn. If farmers plant corn too early, cold weather will keep it from growing. But if they wait too long, they won't be able to grow as much. So how do farmers know when the time is right to get those seeds in the ground? Join host Elmer and
How Do Herding Dogs Work?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're in done chasing our tails — it's time to figure out how herding dogs work. How do herding dogs know how to move cattle and sheep around? Have they learned how to speak sheep or cow? Is it special training? Or is there something else going on here? Join host Elmer and Ollie the dog as they discuss how dogs help farmers take care of their herds. Do you h
How Do Flowers Know When It's Time to Grow?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're looking for early signs of spring — specifically the arrival of spring flowers like daffodils. There's nothing like seeing the first daffodils, crocuses or aconites popping up to signal that spring has arrived. But how do those flowers know it's time to start growing? Do they have tiny, underground calendars? Or is there something else going on in the
What's It Like Inside an Egg?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're talking about eggs. More specifically, we're talking about what happens inside of eggs before chicks are ready to hatch. What's going on inside an unhatched egg? What does it take to make a chick? Once they're formed, are chicks inside of eggs aware of the outside world? And how do they know it's time to hatch? Join host Elmer and Henrietta the chicken
Does Daylight Saving Time Really Help Farmers?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, it's about time we settled the debate: Does daylight saving time actually help farmers? Why do we set the clock forward an hour in the spring and backward in the fall? Does it really have anything to do with farming? Or, could it be that daylight saving time doesn't really help farmers at all? Join host Elmer and Bessie the cow as they figure out why we insi
Why Do Calves Live in Those Little Houses?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, it's time to head over to the dairy farm to see why calves are kept in little houses. Have you ever visited or driven by a dairy farm and noticed small houses dotting the landscape? Those are calf hutches and farmers use them to help baby calves grow big, strong and healthy. They also keep calves warm and dry during cold and wet weather and offer them shade
What Do Farms Do With All That Poo?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're holding our noses and diving into a stinky subject: managing manure on the farm. The truth is, cows, chickens, horses and other farm animals poop and it can pile up quickly if farmers don't take care of the situation. But what do they do with all that manure? They can't flush it away! Instead, farmers use a variety of techniques to manage manure so the
How Smart Are Tractors?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're getting revved up over the idea that some tractors are like computers on wheels. Tractors have always been one of the most powerful machines you'll find on a farm, but these days tractors have as much brains as they do brawn. Smart technology like GPS, environmental sensors and auto-steer mean these tractors are taking in information and making decisio
How Does Snow Help Farmers?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're taking a break from having snowball fights to talk about how snow helps farmers. When some people see snow, they think about fun things, like snowmen and sledding. Others see snow and think about all the extra work that comes with it, like shoveling. But how do farmers feel about snow? Does it just mean a lot of extra work or could there be some benefi
What Do Farmers Do During the Winter?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're hunkering down to escape the cold and snow as we learn what farmers do during the winter. In the wintertime, it's easy to look at farms and think nothing's going on. The crops have all been harvested and the tractors put away. But the truth is, there's always something to do on a farm. So what are farmers doing during the coldest months of the year? J
How Do Farmers Grow Mushrooms?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're venturing into the dark to shed some light how farmers grow mushrooms. Most plants and crops need sunlight to grow, but not mushrooms. Mushrooms thrive in the dark, so the farmers who grow them keep them in special buildings where they can control the amount of light. But that's not the only thing that makes growing mushrooms different than growing cor
Why Do Pigs Like to Roll in the Mud?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're heading out to the pig pen to find out if pigs are really as dirty as they seem. There's no question about it: Pigs love the mud. But why? Is it simply because mud is fun? Or is there more to it than that? Could all that mud actually be helping pigs? Join host Elmer and Piper the pig as they get to the bottom of why pigs love mud. Do you have a questio
Could the Farm in 'Charlotte's Web' Be Real?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're taking a trip to the library to check out one of our favorite farming books, 'Charlotte's Web,' by E.B. White. Generations of children have loved the story of Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, but just how realistic is the farm portrayed in 'Charlotte's Web?' How did E.B. White know how to write about farm animals? Do pigs really go to county fa
How Do Farm Animals Stay Warm in the Winter?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're bundling up in our hats and scarves and then heading out to the barn to find out how farm animals stay warm in the winter. Cows don't wear coats and coal stoves aren't safe for the barn. So how do animals stay warm during the winter? It turns out, they're able to stay nice and toasty thanks to some natural defenses against the cold and with help from f
Why Do Chickens Make Those Sounds?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're stopping by the chicken coop to learn why chickens and roosters are such a chatty bunch. Chickens and roosters make all kinds of sounds, but what are they trying to say? What's the difference between a gentle cluck and an ear-splitting squawk? And did you know that chickens and roosters make different noises in different languages? Join host Elmer and
How Long Does It Take for a Christmas Tree to Grow?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, it's time to head out to the Christmas tree farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. Christmas tree farmers put in a lot of work to make their farms welcoming places during the holidays, but they work even hard all year round to get their trees ready for Christmas. How long do they care for those trees before they're ready to be cut? And what happens to
How Do Tractors Power the Tools They Pull Behind Them?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're heading out to the barn to learn all about how tractors power the tools they pull behind them, from balers to tillers. Tractors pull a variety of tools behind them, but tractors engines, the source of these tools' power, are all the way up front. So how does the power from the engine travel all the way back to those tools? The answer lies in a tractor
Why Do Horses Wear Horseshoes?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're trotting out to the stables to discover why horses wear horseshoes. There's nothing like the distinctive "clip-clop" of shoed horses, but why do they need shoes in the first place? Do all horses wear shoes? When you outgrow your shoes, it's time to head to the shoe store, but where do horses get their shoes? Join host Elmer and Poppy the pony as they f
Why Do We Eat Turkey at Thanksgiving?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're getting our gobble on and looking at why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving. Nowadays, turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table. But did you know that at the very first Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in 1621, turkey was nowhere to be seen! What was eaten instead? And who do we have to thank for introducing turkey as our go-to Thanks
How Do We Get Cheese From Cows?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're exploring how we get cheese from cows. We're all familiar with how we get milk from cows, but how does that milk turn into cheese? And who was the first person to look at milk and think, "Hey, what if we let this get chunky or stretchy?" Join host Elmer and Bessie the cow as they discuss how cheesemakers separate milk into curds and whey and discover t
What's So Special About Soil?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're going underground to find out how soil helps plants grow. Listen as host Elmer and Sawyer the soil scientist talk about the tiny organisms and networks alive under our feet and learn the difference between soil and plain old dirt.
What Did Farmers Use Before Tractors?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're taking a look back in history to find out what farmers did before tractors were invented. Listen as host Elmer and Wendy the farmer talk about the kinds of animals farmers used to plow fields and pull heavy loads — from horses to reindeer!
What Does 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' Have to Do With Farming?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're taking a look at Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and its ties to farming. Listen as host Elmer and Lucy the librarian recount the exciting tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman while pointing out how the story reflects American agriculture in the 1800s.
How Do Farmers Use Drones?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're taking to the skies to figure out how farmers use drones. Listen as host Elmer and Frank the farmer talk about how farmers use drones to monitor fields and livestock through a bird's eye view.
How Do Chickens Make Eggs?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're cracking open a new case: How do chickens make eggs? Listen as host Elmer and Henrietta the chicken talk about all of the work that goes in to make one of your favorite breakfast foods. For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here
How Big Can a Pumpkin Grow?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're tackling a question of epic size: How big can pumpkins grow? Listen as host Elmer and Peter the pumpkin talk about growing pumpkins, giant pumpkin weigh-offs and the world record for the biggest pumpkin ever!
How Do Bees Make Honey?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're buzzing with excitement to find out how bees make honey. Listen as host Elmer and Beatrice the bee discuss how bees are able to make honey from the nectar they collect from flowers.
How Do Scarecrows Work?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're welcoming fall and wondering: How do scarecrows work? Listen as host Elmer and Sammy the scarecrow get to the bottom of how farmers use scarecrows and why scarecrows have become such iconic figures on the farm and in our culture.
What's the Difference Between Hay and Straw?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're going for a hayride. Or is it a straw ride? What's the difference between hay and straw? Listen as host Elmer and farmer Frank talk about how farms use hay and straw for different jobs.
What's the Difference Between Ponies and Horses?
This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're exploring the differences between ponies and horses. Listen as host Elmer and Poppy the pony as they discuss what makes a pony a pony and why they're more than just small horses.
Why Do Roosters Crow?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, we're getting up early to figure out why roosters crow. Listen as host Elmer and Roy the rooster discuss what makes roosters crow and if they really on crow in the mornings.
Does Chocolate Milk Come From Brown Cows?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, it's time to get to the bottom of a popular dairy myth: Does chocolate milk come from brown cows? Listen as host Elmer and Bessie the cow discuss where milk — chocolate and regular — comes from and meet cows of all colors: brown, red, white and more!
Why Are Greenhouses So Hot Inside?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, we're addressing the hot topic of why it's so warm inside greenhouses. Listen as Elmer and Lavern the fern dive into how greenhouses work and why they're so important to farmers, gardeners and scientists.
Why Do Apples Come in So Many Colors?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, we're chomping into the juicy mystery of why apples come in so many colors. Listen as Elmer and Granny Smith the apple discuss how a combination of genes and weather work together to determine what color an apple turns out to be.
Will Goats Really Eat Anything?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, we're picking apart the rumor that goats will eat just about anything. Join host Elmer and Gilbert the goat as they pick out the perfect menu for hungry grazers.
Do Flowers Move?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, we explore if there's more to plants than simply sitting in one place. Join host Elmer and Sunny the sunflower as they learn about phototropism and how flowers move.
Why Do Sheep Need Haircuts?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, we find out what would happen if sheep were never shorn. Join host Elmer and Wally the sheep as they discuss why sheep need to have their wool cut each year.
Are Strawberries Really Berries?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, we're on the case: What makes a berry a berry? Join host Elmer and Ruby the Strawberry as they uncover the truth and learn about berries.
Do Cows Really Have Four Stomachs?
This week on Super Smart Farm Show, we're exploring the belly of the bovine and diving into the question: Do cows really have four stomachs? Join host Elmer and Bessie the cow as they tour the inside of a cow's tummy to discover the answer.
Welcome to the Super Smart Farm Show!
"Why do sheep need haircuts?" "Will goats really eat anything?" "What does horsepower have to do with horses?" Kids ask a lot of questions. Super Smart Farm Show, Lancaster Farming's podcast for kids, has a lot of answers. Join us each week on the farm as we explore kid-friendly topics like why bees are important and whether or not strawberries are actually berries. We here at the Super Smart Farm
