CHS Miracle of Birth Center at the Minnesota State Fair

The Miracle of Birth Center started in 2001 and is staffed by volunteer veterinarians and CVTs from the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, veterinary students from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and members of the MN FFA organization. This display, the most popular attraction at the Fair, educates the public on the vital role that animal agriculture and veterinary medicine play in the state of Minnesota. With live births and newborn farm animals, including cows, pigs, chicks, sheep, goats and ducks, the display highlights the importance of animals to our economy, health, and quality of life.

Volunteers are needed to answer questions and help in the birthing process. Many of your clients visit this exhibit, and they would be excited to see "their" veterinarian and/or CVT at work. This is also an excellent opportunity for large animal veterinary professionals to interact with students and the public, and recruit them into the large animal field. Each year our volunteers remark that this is an experience they will never forget!

This year's exhibit had cow - calf pairs on display, but no calving or lactating cows.

Out of an abundance of caution and because pregnant cows are not able to be tested for the H5N1 virus until they give birth and produce milk, no live dairy calf births will take place at this year’s CHS Miracle of Birth Center. Once the cow gives birth she will begin lactating, she is then subject to the testing requirement, and since she is on-site, we would not be able to follow the timeframe outlined by the Board of Animal Health. Our priority is to keep our livestock and fair visitors healthy and safe.  See our H5N1 Key Messaging link below.

Dr. Florian Ledermann’s  Reflections:  From Dreams to Reality
The Birth of a Miracle: The History of the MOBC