We had the privilege of bringing four classes of third graders from Brimhall Elementary to two different farms this fall: Common Harvest, a family farm and CSA just east of the St. Croix River, and Big River Farms, a local food hub just west of the St. Croix River operated by the Minnesota Food Association.
Beyond the Store: Bringing Kids to the Farm
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Common Harvest: Margot, an entomologist and long-time friend of the farm, led an interactive discussion with the group about some of the roles insects play on a farm. The kids also tasted honey.
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Common Harvest: The students explored the area for an up-close look at some local insects.
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Common Harvest: Learning about the role of a greenhouse on a farm was part of the tour.
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Common Harvest: Kids sampled some kale and cabbage and headed to feed some to the cows.
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Common Harvest: Many kids had dinner plans for those red peppers they were clutching.
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Big River: Farmer May shared some of her freshly pulled carrots with the kids.
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Big River: The kids went on a hayride allowing them a broad view of what 90 acres is like.
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Big River: Careful attention was paid to the onions as they were prepared for market.
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Big River: The students snipped off the ends and removed the outer layer, if needed. One student expressed how "soothing" of a job it was, while others sang songs in the barn with their onions in hand.
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Big River: A crate ready for market.