Fairmont Christian School students connected classroom learning to agriculture during a Farm Camp Minnesota visit on May 6, 2026. Through visits to Poppe's Hobby Farm and Rochelle Krusemark's Farm, students experienced agriculture firsthand as they explored livestock, crop production, and plant science while discovering where their food comes from.
Hosted through Farm Camp Minnesota, a program of the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, the experience introduced students to real-world agriculture while helping them build a greater understanding of the people, practices, and careers that support food production in their communities.
Connecting Classroom Learning to Agriculture
Farm Camp Minnesota provides students with opportunities to experience agriculture firsthand, helping them connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world agriculture through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
At Poppe's Hobby Farm, students met, pet, and held a variety of farm animals while learning about their care and the important role livestock plays in agriculture. Exploring the farm and interacting with the animals quickly became a favorite part of the day.
Students then visited Rochelle Krusemark's Farm, where they walked through a soybean field to observe young plants emerging from the soil. They learned how healthy soil supports crop growth, planted marigolds, and each received a celery plant to take home. These experiences helped students better understand how crops are grown and strengthened the connection between agriculture and the food they eat every day.
Administrator Terri shared, "We had a wonderful trip! The kids loved getting to run all over the farm and pet the animals. At Rochelle's farm, they saw soybeans popping up, planted marigolds, and each received a celery plant. The kids were tired when we returned but so happy!"
Growing Student Understanding
The Farm Camp experience helped students expand their understanding of agriculture while increasing their awareness of the many careers connected to the industry.
Before the visit, 33.3% of students said they could name five agricultural careers beyond farming. After participating in Farm Camp, that number increased to 85.7%.
Students also gained confidence in their understanding of the agriculture industries they explored.
Before Farm Camp, 22.2% reported being somewhat knowledgeable about the industries they would visit. After the experience, 100% said they were at least somewhat knowledgeable, with 42.9% reporting they were knowledgeable.
Educator Debbie summed up the day simply: "It was a great trip! Kids loved it!"
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 experience helped Fairmont Christian School students connect classroom learning to agriculture while discovering where food comes from and gaining a greater appreciation for the people, farms, and careers that make Minnesota agriculture possible.
To learn more about Farm Camp Minnesota or get connected with agriculture education opportunities, visit https://farmcampminnesota.org/educators/.