Fifth graders from Greenvale Park Elementary in Northfield experienced how classroom learning connects to real-world agriculture through Farm Camp Minnesota. Their adventure at Farmamerica in Waseca, supported by a Transportation Grant, gave 85 students the chance to explore Minnesota’s agricultural past, present, and future.
Learning in the Classroom
Before their trip, students began with lessons from Farm Camp Minnesota that introduced agriculture’s importance and connected directly to their literacy and science curriculum. Educator Michelle Sickler said students had recently read an article titled Plants Without Soil about hydroponics, which perfectly aligned with what they just saw at Farmamerica. “It was good timing. The students were excited to make that real-world connection,” she shared.
Experiencing Agriculture in Action
At Farmamerica, students traveled through time to understand how farming and rural life have changed. They explored an 1850s homestead, a one-room schoolhouse, and a 1930s dairy farm, comparing how food was produced then and now. The blacksmith shop, wagon rides, and animal exhibits were among their favorite parts. “We had an amazing experience at Farmamerica,” said Sickler. “The weather was beautiful, and the students loved the blacksmith shop, schoolyard games, and seeing the animals. We even got to see the two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, that President Joe Biden pardoned last Thanksgiving. The students thought that was really cool!”
Discovering Agricultural Careers
After exploring historical and modern farming, students learned about the wide range of agriculture careers that exist today, from blacksmithing and animal care to hydroponics and technology-based jobs. These experiences helped students see agriculture as more than farming, it’s a network of industries that feed and support communities.
Real Growth and Understanding
Before Farm Camp Minnesota, only 40.6 percent of students said they could list three ways they use agriculture in their daily lives. After their visit, that number increased to 76.9 percent.
This Farm Camp Minnesota experience helped Northfield students connect classroom lessons to hands-on exploration and career awareness. By seeing how agriculture touches every part of life, students left with a stronger appreciation for Minnesota’s farming heritage and its role in shaping their future.
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Start planning your Farm Camp Minnesota experience today.
