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This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're not sheepish about wondering whether it's better for lambs to be born in the winter or spring. On most farms, lambing season — the time when lambs are born — happens in either the winter or the spring. But is one more preferrable to the other? Do winter lambs really get a jump on their spring siblings? And how do farmers decide which season is better for them? Join host Elmer and Wally the sheep as they figure out the right time for lambing season in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at [email protected]! 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 Clementine's farm to talk with Wally the wool sheep about winter lambing versus spring lambing. Inspired by a question from young listeners Rowan and Ethan, the episode explores the advantages and challenges of raising lambs in different seasons. Kids learn why winter lambing can be a good choice for farmers preparing sheep for summer livestock shows at local 4-H and FFA fairs, as winter-born lambs have more time to grow and may experience fewer parasite problems when they move to pasture. The show also explains the challenges of winter lambing, including cold temperatures, the need for adequate indoor barn space and the importance of monitoring sheep for disease. Through Wally's conversation with Elmer, young listeners discover the benefits of spring lambing, when fresh pasture grass provides a natural food source, potentially reducing feed costs and giving farmers more options for where lambs are born. The episode also highlights the importance of pasture management to ensure sheep and lambs have access to good-quality forage. Interactive quiz questions reinforce key lessons about lambing seasons, barn safety and what lambs eat, introducing children to sheep farming, lamb care, livestock shows, pasture management and the everyday decisions farmers make to keep their animals healthy.

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 host Elmer and Poppy the pony as they discuss why horses and ponies are measured in hands and why that might be starting to change. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at [email protected]! 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 Poppy the Pony explore how horses and ponies are measured in hands rather than feet and inches. Young listeners learn that one hand equals four inches and that ponies measure 14.2 hands or less, while taller equines are considered horses. The episode explains the history of horse height measurement, from ancient cultures that used body parts as measuring tools to King Henry VIII, who standardized the horse hand at four inches in the 1540s. Elmer and Poppy discuss why the traditional measurement is still used in the equestrian world, including when buying, selling, breeding and showing horses, while also exploring the growing use of the metric system and meters in international horse competitions. Interactive quiz questions reinforce key facts about horse height, measurement conversions and the origins of the horse hand. To put their new knowledge into practice, listeners learn how to calculate their own height in hands by dividing their height in inches by four. This kid-friendly episode introduces horse care, equine science, pony measurements, measurement history, math skills and equestrian traditions through fun farm conversations and educational questions.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.

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 [email protected]! 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.