Your support continues to make a meaningful impact through Farm Camp Minnesota, a cornerstone program of Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom. This three-part experience includes standards-based classroom learning, on-site farm or agribusiness tours, and career exploration. Together, these elements give students in grades 5 through 12 a powerful connection between what they learn in school and the real-world opportunities in agriculture.
What is Farm Camp Minnesota?
Farm Camp Minnesota is a customizable three-part agricultural learning experience that connects students in grades 5-12 to real farms, agribusinesses, and career opportunities. Whether it's a single on-farm visit, a full-day field experience, or a virtual tour tailored to classroom needs, each Farm Camp is designed to align with what students are already learning in school. These experiences help students understand how agriculture plays a role in their everyday lives through food, fuel, fiber, and natural resources. Most importantly, Farm Camp opens doors for every student to see themselves in agriculture, whether their interests lie in animals, technology, business, or science.
A Day of Diverse Farm Camp Experiences
On May 1, 2025, 30 students from Immanuel Lutheran School in Lakefield, MN, participated in a Farm Camp Field Day. It was an unforgettable journey across three distinct stops that demonstrated the diversity of farm camp experiences.
Thanks to a Farm Camp Transportation Grant, students were able to visit three unique agricultural operations. The grant covered transportation costs, a critical support for schools with limited resources, and ensured all students had equal access to a transformative educational opportunity.
Technology, Crops, and Livestock All in One Day
The day began at Ziegler CAT in Jackson, where students were introduced to the advanced technology powering modern agriculture. From joystick-controlled combines to massive sprayers, the tour gave students a firsthand look at precision agriculture and the high-tech career paths it offers.
Next stop: Fast Farms in Mountain Lake, hosted by Brandon Fast, farmer and member of the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council. Students explored corn and soybean production and learned how tools like iPads, variable rate seeding, and 200-degree dryers are revolutionizing grain farming. Brandon’s vivid description of harvest season (“it smells like popcorn!”) left a lasting impression. Many students were surprised to learn how data-driven farming has become, and several remarked on how important technology and decision-making are to growing corn today.
The final visit was to Kurt Blomgren Seeds in Butterfield, where students got hands-on with both livestock and crop farming. Kurt, a multi-generational farmer who also serves as the State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency, welcomed students to interact with cattle, pigs, and a red Angus bull named Tom Brady. In addition to learning about animal care and feeding, students discovered how seed distribution connects to both the science and business sides of agriculture. Kurt’s approachable teaching style and passion for agriculture made his farm a student favorite, mixing learning with laughter and connection.
Real-World Impact
This Farm Camp experience left a lasting impression. Pre-visit surveys showed that 64.5% of students felt only “somewhat” or “not very” knowledgeable about agriculture. Afterward, 100% reported increased knowledge. Even students from farm backgrounds discovered new insights.
One student shared, “I liked the field trip because I got to learn about jobs I could have in agriculture.”
Another said, “Even though I live on a farm, I still learned lots of things I didn’t know before.”
How Investors Make a Difference
This success was made possible by Farm Camp’s transportation grants, an initiative created in response to educators' needs and made real by the generosity of our investors.
Your support reaches even further. Behind every field day is the Farm Camp Director, who coordinates schools, AgHosts, schedules, and logistics. Your investment also fuels marketing and outreach; ensuring schools hear about Farm Camp and that every bus ride, permission slip, and tour guide is in place.
These behind-the-scenes elements may go unnoticed, but they are absolutely essential to delivering safe, seamless, and impactful learning experiences.
Help Us Grow the Impact
We’re always looking for more AgHosts, school partners, and supporters. Whether you’re passionate about helping students discover career opportunities in agriculture or want to help remove barriers to learning, you can make a difference.
Together, let’s continue sharing the diversity of Farm Camp experiences across Minnesota, one field day at a time.