Sixth grade students from Avail Academy connected their STEM learning to real-world agriculture during an Avail Academy Farm Camp experience on April 15, 2026, at Scherber's Morningstar Dairy in Rogers, Minnesota. Hosted through Farm Camp Minnesota, a program of Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, the visit introduced students to modern dairy technology while reinforcing classroom lessons about robotics and agricultural innovation.
From STEM Lessons to Real-World Agriculture
Before their visit, students had been learning about agricultural robotics in middle school science and building scaled-down robot models used in farming.
Their classroom also explores hydroponic and aquaponic systems, making the dairy tour a natural extension of their STEM curriculum. The experience helped students see how technology supports food production while introducing them to careers in modern agriculture.
Students Experienced Modern Dairy Farming
At Scherber's Morningstar Dairy, students learned how robotic milking systems work alongside farmers to care for dairy cows. They were surprised by the smell of the barn, the size of the cows, how much technology is used every day, and that just three employees, along with robotic systems, help operate the farm. Students also discovered that cows thrive on routine and each cow has its own unique personality.
Favorite moments included meeting the calves, hugging cows, getting licked by curious dairy cattle, and seeing the robotic milking equipment in action. Students said they learned:
- "Milk is in so many foods."
- "Cows like routines."
- "How to milk a cow with and without a robot."
- "All about cow personalities."
Transportation Support Helped Make the Experience Possible
This Avail Academy Farm Camp experience was 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, making hands-on agricultural learning more accessible for students across Minnesota.
Growing Student Understanding
The Farm Camp experience increased students' understanding of agriculture and dairy farming. Before the visit, 43.5% of students said they could list three ways agriculture impacts their lives. After the experience, that number increased to 70.8%.
Students also grew more confident in their knowledge of the dairy industry. Before the tour, 65.2% reported being at least somewhat knowledgeable about dairy farming. Afterward, 95.8% said they were at least somewhat knowledgeable.
Students described the experience as "fascinating!" and shared they would love to participate in another Farm Camp experience.
Why Farm Camp Matters
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.
This Avail Academy Farm Camp experience helped students see how robotics, technology, and animal care work together on a modern dairy farm while connecting their STEM education to careers and food production happening every day in Minnesota.
To learn more about Farm Camp Minnesota or get connected with agriculture education opportunities, visit https://farmcampminnesota.org/connect-me/.