During a recent interview, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma expressed her enthusiasm for the vibrant “Ag Field Trip Day,” an event that brought over a thousand elementary students together to explore the origins of food. Hosted at the iconic Cow Palace in San Francisco, this event was made possible with the support of the San Francisco Farm Bureau (SFFB).
Students from San Francisco public schools engaged in a variety of hands-on agricultural activities. They participated in wool spinning demonstrations, learned about plant life cycles, and recognized different vegetables. The event included nutritional demonstrations by the California Cattlewomen, showcasing the benefits of beef, as well as livestock exhibitions. Students also experienced skilled activities like roping, branding calves, enjoying cowboy performances, and interacting directly with farm animals. Additionally, teachers received guide packs with resources to extend this learning experience beyond the event.
Treasurer Ma highlighted the significance of agriculture in our lives, stating, “Food is a necessity for life.” She noted that California boasts the production of 400 different agricultural products, making it the leading agricultural state in the U.S. Ma expressed her hope that this unique initiative would help the public recognize the importance of supporting farmers and ranchers, ensuring food security and independence.
The event organizers shared that educational field trips often face funding challenges, particularly when it comes to transportation. SFFB has actively worked to address this issue, raising $5,600 to cover bus costs, which allowed them to increase student participation from 330 last year to over 1,000 this year.
Established on February 15 of this year, the SFFB is the 54th county-level farm bureau in California and the newest chapter approved in nearly 40 years. It focuses on urban food cultivation and enhancing food education in San Francisco, the 17th largest city in the United States.
In conclusion, this day was not just about learning—it was about fostering a connection between youth and agriculture, inspiring the next generation to appreciate where their food comes from.
