University Farms
Meadowbrook Farm
A.B. Carter Building
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: 859-622-9002
Fax: 859-622-2397

Field Trip to the Farm

School buses arrive from Glenn Marhsall Elementary with excited school children.

Local school children got a special treat for the end of their school year with a Field Trip to the Farm. The parade of yellow school buses brought elementary students from Glenn Marshall and Kirksville Elementary Schools to Meadowbrook Farm on Wednesday and Thursday, May 23-24, for a day of activities and fun. The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of multiple EKU departments, UK Extension agents, and community volunteers who worked hard to provide the Madison County first graders a great end of the school year farm experience, free of any additional costs to the school.

EKU Farms, in collaboration with multiple EKU Departments, UK Extension agents, and community volunteers introduced over 200 first graders and chaperones to the milking parlor and animal exhibits of calves, lambs, and piglets. Day one saw over 80 first graders from Glenn Marshall accompanied by eight teachers and several volunteers, including parents and grandparents. The second day drew an even larger crowd from Kirksville Elementary with just over 108 first graders plus teachers and parent volunteers.

According to EKU Director of Farms Justin McKinney, these visits are "part of a new tradition designed to better serve community youths in the area of agriculture." McKinney said that smaller tours and field trips are planned with all surrounding schools and organizations throughout the year; but this was the largest, youngest group of students from Madison County hosted on the farm so far.

“I have wanted to coordinate this type of event at EKU Farms after witnessing first-hand the intrigue and fascination the local children showed at an event earlier this year hosted by UK Extensions where we provided only a few of the EKU Farms’ animals for exhibition at the Madison County Fairgrounds. The kids’ eyes lit up when they were allowed to touch the animals. They were so inquisitive and interested in farm life." McKinney went on to say, "This generation of youth are far removed from the knowledge of where their food comes from and how it gets to the grocery stores. I wanted to bring them all, right that minute, to the Farm so they could see it for themselves."

The day was filled with activities that were both fun and educational. EKU's Agriculture Department provided a hands on horticulture learning activity one day. Other activities like a corn toss, kick ball, and tee ballgames in the pasture kept the children happy, healthy, and entertained as they spent time on the farm between exhibits.

Stateland Dairy, founded in 1912, is a centerpiece of the farm tour experience. And home-made ice cream is always a fan favorite. In this farm-to-table activity, school children were provided ingredients and supplies to mix an individual baggie of tasty ice-cream.

For the first time this year, the popular big green tractor is pulling the ‘EKU People Hauler’. This newest investment allows everyone to experience the farm riding on a safe modified ‘hayride’ with a canopy, padded bench seats, and railings - approximately 60 elementary size children, including room for a small wheelchair. The first graders received a personal EKU student-lead tour to see over 720 acres of Meadowbrook Farm’s beef, dairy, sheep and swine facilities.

In response to the trip, one of Kirksville Elementary teachers wrote to McKinney, "I can’t think of anything they could change to make it better. Honestly it is one of the best field trip’s I have ever been on in my teaching career!!! It was well structured but still gave the kids time to play and enjoy."

McKinney said, "EKU Farms is here to serve as a modern demonstration farm for all ages, all abilities, and all people from the surrounding local communities and the Eastern Appalachian region. Anyone is welcome and urged to contact me to come see the farm and coordinate a visit. It is an amazing asset for EKU and should be shared with everyone. I hope today’s field trip has sparked a passion for agriculture in some of these youths that can be kindled for the future.as they become future agriculturists in 4H and FFA in addition to teaching them a little more about where their food comes from.”