On April 10, 2025, 30 Cherry School ninth and tenth grade students participated in a Farm Camp Minnesota experience, connecting their health curriculum to real-world agriculture. Thanks to a Transportation Grant, students were able to leave their classrooms behind and experience firsthand how farms contribute to their food, health, and local economy. The day’s visits included stops at Takalas Farms and The Goat Shack, two farms located just a few miles from their school.
Firsthand Learning at Takalas Farms
The Farm Camp experience began at Takalas Farms, the largest dairy farm in St. Louis County. Students were welcomed by Jim, John, and Jan Takala, who introduced them to the world of dairy farming and sheep production. From learning about the work it takes to get milk from the farm to the grocery store, to understanding why sheep are sheared, students left with a deeper appreciation for the commitment and care involved in raising livestock.
Students particularly enjoyed interacting with the animals, especially the calves and lambs. Many noted that before the visit, they hadn’t realized just how many animals one person can care for, or how much effort goes into producing everyday products like milk and wool.
Discovering Small-Scale Farming at The Goat Shack
Next, students visited The Goat Shack, owned by Karen Burris. Here, they discovered that you don't need hundreds of acres to run a successful farm—Karen’s goat farm operates on just two acres of land. Students learned about the many uses of goat milk, including making soaps and lotions, and got hands-on experience holding the playful goats.
This stop helped students understand the diversity within agriculture and introduced them to careers beyond traditional farming, showing that agriculture offers a wide range of opportunities, from animal care to small business ownership.
Student Reflections: A New View of Agriculture
The Farm Camp experience had a major impact on student understanding and enthusiasm for agriculture. Before the event, only 59.8% of students felt knowledgeable about the agricultural industries they would be visiting. After the experience, that number grew to an impressive 91.1%. Additionally:
- Prior to Farm Camp, only 30% of students could name five agricultural careers outside of farming; afterward, 60.9% could.
- Confidence in understanding the industries visited grew from 60% to 100% following the event.
When asked if they would like to participate in another Farm Camp experience, students overwhelmingly said "yes," citing reasons such as wanting to learn more about food production, try hands-on farm tasks, and better understand agriculture’s role in their community.
Making Experiences Like This Possible
This day of discovery would not have been possible without the support of Farm Camp Minnesota’s Transportation Grant. With just a short 13.67-mile round trip, the grant allowed students to experience agriculture up close—many for the very first time.
Special thanks to our farm hosts, Jim, John, and Jan Takala and Karen Burris, and to Heather Lindula from the Farm Bureau Promotion & Education Committee for helping coordinate the day. Farm Camp Minnesota and the MAITC Foundation continue to make agriculture education impactful, engaging, and accessible for students across the state.
Ready to Bring Farm Camp Minnesota to Your Students?
Farm Camp Minnesota connects students to the farms, farmers, and agriculture careers that shape their daily lives. If you’re looking for a hands-on, unforgettable way to bring agriculture to life for your students, Farm Camp Minnesota is ready to help—Transportation Grants are available!
