(KIWA Staff Photo)
Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Community leaders, donors, and project supporters gathered Wednesday morning at the Sioux County Ag Expo grounds near Sioux Center for a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the Ag Discovery Barn and the partnership that helped bring the facility to life.
While the barn itself has been in use since shortly before the 2025 Sioux County Youth Fair, Wednesday’s ceremony formally celebrated the collaboration between the Sioux County Ag Expo, Farmers Coop Society, and local supporters behind the project.
Built to Promote Agriculture
During the ceremony, Ag Expo Board member and Farmers Co-op Society Board member Gary Den Herder reflected on the project’s origins, crediting his father, Gerald Den Herder, with helping inspire the idea.
Den Herder said Farmers Coop Society ultimately became the lead financial partner for the project, helping turn that vision into reality. He also noted that the facility is intended to serve not only the Sioux County Youth Fair, but a variety of community events and activities throughout the year.
Investing in Youth and Ag Education
Farmers Coop Society CEO Jon McDaniel said supporting the Ag Discovery Barn aligns with the cooperative’s long-standing commitment to youth and agricultural education.
McDaniel said the facility provides an opportunity to educate both youth and the general public about the importance of agriculture in Sioux County and beyond. He also noted the barn has already proven to be a valuable gathering space for celebrations and community events.
Part of a Growing Campus
The Ag Discovery Barn was the first newly constructed building completed on the Ag Expo campus and is designed to serve as both an educational facility and event venue. The building can accommodate roughly 250 to 350 people and has already hosted weddings, receptions, auctions, and other community events.
Development continues across the Ag Expo grounds. Construction is underway on the Peoples Bank Pavilion, a semi-open gathering space expected to be completed later this year. Plans also call for additional livestock buildings, a show ring, kitchen and restroom facilities, and other future improvements as fundraising efforts continue.
Organizers say the long-term goal is to create a year-round destination for agricultural education, youth programming, livestock events, and community gatherings while preserving and promoting Sioux County’s agricultural roots.
