Farm Camp Minnesota AgHost stories highlight the farmers and agribusinesses who open their doors to students and educators across the state. Through hands-on experiences, these AgHosts help students explore agriculture, food systems, and the many careers connected to food, fiber, fuel and natural resources.
Meet Kathy Hupf of CannonBelles Cheese
Our first featured AgHost is Kathy Hupf, co-owner of CannonBelles Cheese in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, located in Goodhue County. Kathy’s path into agriculture began early.
“I grew up on a dairy farm,” she shared.
Today, Kathy is one of three owners of CannonBelles Cheese, along with CannonBelles Coffee and Ice Cream Shop. Her work blends agricultural tradition, food science, and entrepreneurship, giving students a firsthand look at how raw agricultural products are transformed into value-added foods.
Why CannonBelles Cheese Hosts Farm Camp Minnesota
Kathy chooses to host students through Farm Camp Minnesota because she believes strongly in sharing agriculture with the next generation.
“I think it's important to take advantage of opportunities to share our knowledge and passion for agriculture with the next generation,” she said.
By welcoming students into a working cheese business, Kathy helps connect classroom learning to real-world applications and shows how agriculture extends far beyond the farm gate.
What Students are Most Surprised to Learn
When students visit CannonBelles Cheese, they are often surprised by just how detailed and scientific the cheesemaking process is. Kathy walks students through each step, from understanding how milk changes to learning how bacteria and enzymes play a role in flavor and texture.
Many students are amazed to learn that it takes 10 pounds of milk to make just one pound of cheese, and they are curious about how yellow or orange cheeses get their color. Just as impactful is learning about the wide range of careers involved in agriculture, including food science, production, quality control, marketing, and retail.
A Recent Farm Camp Experience at CannonBelles Cheese
CannonBelles Cheese recently served as an AgHost for Harding High School students participating in a Farm Camp Minnesota experience focused on sustainable farming and food science. As part of the experience, students toured local farms and food businesses before ending the day at CannonBelles Cheese.
During the visit, students participated in a cheese tasting challenge, sampling several varieties and voting on their favorites. As Kathy shared, “There wasn’t any cheese left on the plates when they left, so that was a compliment!”
A Valued Farm Camp Minnesota Partner
CannonBelles Cheese has been a long-standing and deeply valued partner of Farm Camp Minnesota and Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom. Over the years, their team has hosted numerous Farm Camp Minnesota experiences and consistently supported agricultural literacy efforts across Minnesota. CannonBelles also served as a host site for a traveling workshop during the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, when Minnesota welcomed educators from across the country. Their continued involvement reflects a strong commitment to education, community connection, and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Why Farm Camp Minnesota AgHost Stories Matter
For Kathy, programs like Farm Camp Minnesota provide meaningful exposure that can spark future interest in agriculture.
“It's good exposure to agriculture and hopefully it inspires them to seek a career in agriculture themselves,” she said.
Farm Camp Minnesota AgHost stories showcase the people behind agriculture and the many ways students can connect to food, farming, and science. Whether you are an educator interested in signing up for a Farm Camp or a farmer or agribusiness considering becoming an AgHost, these experiences help grow understanding, curiosity, and opportunity for students across Minnesota.