Celebrate Ag Month in Abilene
"You know, farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
March is Kansas Ag Month, and Abilene has several events and attractions that celebrate the state's largest industry.
1. T.C. Henry Barn at Old Abilene Town
Throughout the 1870s T.C. Henry experimented with planting Turkey red winter wheat, a crop that was commonly thought to not grow well in Kansas. Henry had several large yields of the crop, and by the mid-1870s was known by many as the "Wheat King of Kansas." The work of Henry can still be seen throughout Dickinson County as this is one of the most widely grown crops in the county (and the state as a whole). Henry's large carriage house, which used to stand near the corner of 14th and Buckeye streets in Abilene, can still be seen today at Old Abilene Town.
2. Dickinson County Heritage Center
The Dickinson County Heritage Center's annex buildings are full of historic farm machinery, equipment, and tools used and owned by Dickinson County residents.
Follow their Facebook Page to stay up-to-date on their latest events!
3. Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Passengers aboard the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad will enjoy a narrated tour highlighting the history of the area, as well as the crops viewed from the rail.
4. Central Kansas Free Fair and Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo
What better way to explore all things ag than at a county fair?! From crops to livestock and one of the nation's best outdoor rodeos, the Central Kansas Free Fair and Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo is a great destination for ag lovers and learners.
- Central Kansas Free Fair - August 3-8, 2022
- Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo - August 3-6, 2022
5. Big Spur at Rittel's Western Wear
Celebrate ag in a big way with a selfie at the "big spur"! At 28 feet high, the big spur stands on its ends to form an arch and weighs a ton. Larry Houston built the spur in 2002 and it was certified as the World's Largest Spur by Guinness World Records until 2017.
Bonus: Shop Kansas Farms
Wilkens Acres, located at 2323 Fair Road in Abilene is opening on Saturday, April 2. This new store will sell only Kansas-made products from local farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.
Want to learn more about agriculture in Abilene and Dickinson County? Check out these ag stats from the Kansas Department of Agriculture!