Tour Highlights

Pigs, Chicken Tractors, Baby Chicks Oh My

Students were welcomed onto the KDE property by a large flock of egg-laying chickens. These chickens roamed and pecked while Brian delivered his introduction to the farm.

Besides raising livestock, Brian also taps his maple trees and boils the sap down to make his own maple syrup. Students were able to walk into his "syrup shack" and learn about the equipment and process it takes to make syrup.

Petting and feeding the pigs was next. Brian housed many questions about pigs, why he raises them, and how he sells them for meat. A few students were astonished that he would sell his own "pets" and then eat them. When students can understand the purpose of raising livestock, they begin to see the cycle of agriculture more clearly.

"Who knows what a chicken tractor is?" Brian asked the group.

"We don't have a clue," one student shouted.

Brian explained the chicken tractor and turned the questions to the students about its purpose and functionality. They, of course, thought it would have been a vehicle. Students were impressed at the ingenuity and efficiency of the chicken tractor.

The tour had to culminate with checking out the baby chicks. Students "ohh-ed" and "ahh-ed" over these adorable, fuzzy chicks. Brian explained how he received the chicks, what they needed to survive and why he gets them at this stage. Then it was time for photo ops.

The tour wrapped up with students getting a peek inside the air-conditioned trailer with multiple freezers that Brian and his wife use to transport their products to local Farmer's Markets. Before departing, students asked many questions about Brian's small business and owning a small farm.

The value and perspective shift that being present on a farm with a passionate AgHost is something you cannot replicate in the classroom. If getting your students out on a farm to learn and experience something new is something you're interested in, please contact our Program Director!