More than 250 fifth grade students from Redwood, Renville, and Brown counties participated in agriculture safety education during 5th Grade Ag Day on May 12, 2026, at Gilfillan Estates near Redwood Falls. Hosted through Farm Camp Minnesota, a program of Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, the event connected students with hands-on experiences that introduced them to agriculture safety, careers, technology, and the many ways agriculture impacts everyday life.
Students from Red Rock Central, Sleepy Eye Public, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Redwood Area, Wabasso, St. Anne's, Cedar Mountain, St. John's, Prairie Lutheran, and other area schools spent the day learning directly from agriculture professionals while making meaningful connections between classroom learning and Minnesota agriculture.
What Is 5th Grade Ag Day?
5th Grade Ag Day is part of the Farm Camp Minnesota model, which connects classroom learning with real-world agriculture experiences. Before the event, educators used Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom resources to help students build background knowledge and prepare for the day's activities.
Throughout the event, students rotated through hands-on stations focused on agriculture safety, livestock, crop production, technology, equipment, and career exploration. Every stop encouraged students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and discover how agriculture connects to their daily lives.
Agriculture Safety Education Through Hands-On Learning
Safety demonstrations left a lasting impression on students throughout the day. Many were surprised to learn how dangerous power take-off (PTO) equipment can be, how difficult grain bin rescues are, and why wearing a helmet while operating an ATV is so important. These hands-on demonstrations helped students understand how agriculture safety education protects farmers, families, and communities.
Students also explored how innovation continues to shape agriculture. They learned how drones help monitor crops, how soybeans germinate, and how hemp can be used to make building materials like hempcrete. Others were amazed to discover that corn is found in products like toothpaste and that manure helps build healthy soils for growing crops.
Favorite moments included meeting cows, sheep, goats, and pigs, participating in the PTO safety demonstration, planting soybeans, exploring historic farm equipment, practicing grain safety, and learning ATV safety.
Students Discovered Agriculture Everywhere
As students moved from station to station, they discovered that agriculture reaches far beyond the farm.
Many shared they were surprised by how many careers are connected to agriculture and how much science, technology, and teamwork are involved in producing food and other everyday products. They learned about the many uses for crops grown in Minnesota, how technology supports modern farming, and why agriculture plays a role in nearly every community.
One student shared that they learned, "that there is always a little agriculture in a career," while another was excited to discover "the many uses for the products that farmers produce right around here!"
Hands-On Learning Made the Difference
The interactive nature of agriculture safety education helped students build confidence in what they learned throughout the day.
Before attending 5th Grade Ag Day, 67% of students said they felt at least somewhat knowledgeable about the agriculture industry they would experience. After participating in Farm Camp, that number increased to 93%.
When asked if they would like to participate in another Farm Camp experience, the overwhelming majority said yes. One student reflected, "I came to the camp knowing very little about farming and agriculture, and now I feel pretty confident explaining what farming and agriculture is. I still want to come back and learn more."
A Community Effort Worth Celebrating
5th Grade Ag Day was made possible through the collaboration of local educators, volunteers, farmers, and community partners who shared their time and expertise with students throughout the day. Thank you to the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H ATV Safety Program, Weltsch Equipment, Bayer Crop Science, Artex Manufacturing, and the many volunteers who helped bring agriculture safety, technology, and career exploration to life through engaging, hands-on activities.
The event was also made possible in part by a Transportation Grant. The grant helped cover bus transportation costs thanks to investors with the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, helping schools connect students with meaningful agriculture learning experiences.
Why 5th Grade Ag Day Matters
Events like 5th Grade Ag Day help students understand that agriculture is more than farming. It is the people, technology, safety, science, and careers that help feed and support our communities every day.
Farm Camp Minnesota connects students to agriculture through pre-event classroom lessons, hands-on farm or agribusiness experiences, and post-visit reflection or career connections. Through agriculture safety education, students gain the knowledge and confidence to better understand agriculture while exploring the many careers that support the industry.
To learn more about Farm Camp Minnesota or get connected with agriculture education opportunities, visit https://farmcampminnesota.org/connect-me/.