A farm field trip is often fun as well as relaxing.

Objective: To visit a farm in your area and learn all about the farm and the farmers and to communicate what you learned to the other students in the class. Think of yourself as a journalist after a story! Farmers and farming are diverse and interesting. Visit a farm that produces something that you are interested in. Farms can include, but are not limited to: vegetable or fruit production, herbs, cows, chickens, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, winery, aquaculture, hydroponics, greenhouses – the list goes on and on. You can also visit a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). See the Resources section for a list of CSA’s. You can also check the chamber of commerce or local events in the newspaper or local website. Many farms are doing Fall festivals and soon there will be Christmas Open Houses. If you are not sure that the farm you would like to visit qualifies, please email.



If the farm has a farm stand, you can go when it is open and speak with someone. Farmers have long and varied hours, so you may have to make an appointment. It is okay to go on this field trip with another classmate, but you both must submit your own work and you should take different photos – pick a different viewpoint. If the farmer grows plants and animals, one can focus on plants and one on animals. Or maybe focus on spring and summer chores vs. fall and winter chores.



Assessment: Take photos (at least 10 photos), label them and put them in a word document - labeled “Farm Field Trip”. Below is a list of possible questions to help you to get started. Find out as much information as you can. Your report should be 1.5 - 2 pages long not including the photos.

Possible questions for BIO 104 Farm Field Trip:



How long have you been farming?



Why did you decide to go into farming?



Did you go to school to learn how to farm?



What is the most difficult thing about farming?



What is the most rewarding thing about farming?



What does your typical day look like?



What do you grow? And how do you grow it? E.g., plants – do you plant seeds or buy plants that are already started? If they raise animals, do they buy young animals or breed animals that have the babies on the farm?



Do you sell wholesale or retail?



Approximately how many farms are in your town?



Do they farm organically?



If they farm organically, what are some of the differences between farming organically and what other farmers do?