Farm-to-school programs provide nutrition education, access to local foods, and agricultural education, serving families inside and outside the classroom. Classrooms that participate in farm-to-school programs, such as farm field trips, gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local food system.
Through collaboration, planning and engagement of local community partners, two programs of the Oregon State University Extension Service in Marion County — 4-H Youth Development and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) — held the third AgVenture Days (formerly Elementary AgFest) in June 2025.
AgVenture Days successfully provided hands-on, engaging educational experiences in Polk and Marion counties that increased student interest in farms, healthy food and local agriculture while supporting teachers with well-structured, interactive learning opportunities.
The event drew more than 750 third graders, teachers and chaperones over four days to the Chemeketa Community College Agriculture Complex and Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm in Salem. Students from 12 different schools participated in the program over five days.
In addition to the Chemeketa Community College Agriculture Complex and Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm, partners and collaborators with AgVenture Days included Salem Harvest, AgWest Farm Credit, Master Food Preservers with the OSU Extension home food preservation program and Oregon Dairy Women.
Hands-on activities
Since 2024, a new partnership with AgWest Farm Credit, facilitated by Salem Harvest, has provided $5,000 and volunteer support for AgVenture Days. Salem Harvest coordinated buses and administrative needs. Additional volunteer support came from the home food preservation program. Salem-Keizer School District’s Food & Nutrition Services provided support by offering sack lunches using locally sourced foods. The Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm grew radishes and turnips for each student to harvest and try.
Groups of students rotated through seven activity stations at the agriculture complex and youth farm. At the youth farm, they learned about the roles of honeybees, observed a honeybee hive, and tasted locally sourced honey. They learned about the functions of root vegetables and had the opportunity to harvest a root vegetable from the youth farm, wash it and taste it. They also explored the youth farm, learning about and identifying beneficial insects and quenching their thirst with different flavored waters.
At the agriculture complex, students participated in a self-led scavenger hunt, learning about farm operations and equipment. They also learned about farm-to-table through a food system relay, and about pollination and the honeybee waggle dance. Students also made healthy smoothies on a bike blender, while learning about dairy in Oregon.
Public value
According to post-event evaluations, teachers and chaperones reported that the activities were well organized, interactive and purposeful and rated the field trips a mean of 9.73 out of 10. When asked, “How would you rate this experience for your students?”, teachers and chaperones rated the field trips with a mean of 4.7 out of 5.
Students are highly engaged in activities and enjoyed exploring and participating outdoors, with 71% of participants saying they were more interested in visiting a farm after the field trip.
AgVenture Days successfully provided hands-on, engaging educational experiences in Polk and Marion counties that increased student interest in farms, healthy food and local agriculture while supporting teachers with well-structured, interactive learning opportunities.
