Virtual Farm Tour
Fall 2021 LIVE Virtual Farm Tours:
Grades K – 2nd
Oct. 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
This 30-minute tour of Walnutdale Farms in western Michigan will showcase the care of calves, the milking process and discuss the journey of milk from farm to table. If you have questions during the tour, you will have an opportunity to ask Farmer Aubrey. The tour is open to all ages and will target students in K-2nd grades. Grades K-2 Academic Standards
TEACHER REGISTRATION for Oct. 15
Grades 3rd – 5th
This 45-minute tour of Ritter Farms in central Michigan takes students through the life cycle of a dairy cow and how dairy farmers work hard to care for the land. Students will see the milking process, how milk is collected from the cow, the steps taken to keep it cold and safe, and where it waits for the milk truck driver to pick it up.
From Michigan Dairy Farmers to You – video series for students in grades 6-12
Series of virtual dairy farm tours for students in 6th-12th grades that brings the farm to the students. Each episode focuses on a different topic and runs 7 – 10 minutes. Through the video series, students will learn about caring for calves, keeping cows comfortable and well nourished, collecting milk from cows, and using technology on the farm. Students will also meet professionals that work directly with dairy farm families. With nearly 1,200 dairy farms in Michigan, this program provides an overview of how dairy farmers in our state care for their cows, the environment, and provide nutritious milk.
Episodes:
- Calf Care and Meet a Dairy Veterinarian
- What Cows Eat and Meet a Dairy Nutritionist
- Milkhouse and Meet a Milk Truck Driver
- How Dairy Farmers Care for Their Cows
- Milking Cows
Virtual Farm Tour with U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsay Tarpley:
Watch this Virtual Farm Tour of Evergreen Dairy with two-time U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and soccer player Lindsay Tarpley! Farmers Kris and Carla share how they take care of their calves and prepare them to join the milking herd. They also explain why nutrition is important for the cows and also for students and athletes!
Resources:
Farm to School Resources built on Google Slides. Includes links to curriculum, handouts, videos and more.
FAQ’s: Refer to this document to help answer some of the questions that were not addressed during the tour.
Scavenger Hunt: Click here to download a Scavenger Hunt to keep students looking for fun facts on the dairy farm.
Earth Day Virtual Farm Tour:
Watch this virtual tour of Weber Family Dairy in the thumb region of Michigan to learn how dairy farmers focus on Earth Day every day. Farmer James Weber discusses how he works each day on regenerative practices including responsibly composting and applying nutrients to the soil and keeping surrounding water clean. You will see how James cares for the calves, cows, land, and community.
Scavenger Hunt: Click here to download a Scavenger Hunt to keep students looking for fun facts on the dairy farm.
Mootilda’s Winter Virtual Farm Tour on National Milk Day:
Mootilda returned to celebrate National Milk Day with Farmer Ashley at Sheridan Dairy Farm in Eastern Michigan to see how the calves and cows are cared for during the winter months. During the tour, Farmer Ashley showed how she uses technology to help care for the cows who make the delicious and nutritious milk we all love.
Fall 2020 Virtual Farm Tours:
Grades K – 2nd
Watch the 30-minute tour of Horning Farms in southeast Michigan to get a sneak peek inside the barns and milking parlor. Students will see how the dairy farmers care for their calves and cows, their community and the environment while producing nutritious and delicious milk.
Grades 3rd – 5th
Watch as Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions Center, virtually toured Reid Dairy Farm in Eastern Michigan. During this fun, interactive experience students learn how the farm family cares for their calves and cows, where milk comes from, how it is produced and the many different foods that are made from milk. Along with learning about dairy farming, Frank Ragnow shares how he stays healthy and strong.
Grades 6th – 12th
Watch the 45-60 minute tour of Sand Creek Dairy on the west side of Michigan to learn about different careers in the dairy industry. Meet dairy farmer Ethan Haywood to see how the cows are cared for, learn how the milk is collected from the cows and meet the calves. You’ll also hear from special guests who work with dairy farmers across the state: a dairy nutritionist who creates cows’ menu, a dairy veterinarian who helps farmers care for cows and a milk truck driver who collects the milk and drives it to the processing plant. Along with the professionals who work directly with the farm, you’ll hear from a registered dietitian to learn about their career.
SCAVENGER HUNT: Download the worksheet to challenge your students to identify what they see and learn during the tour.
FAQ’s: As you watch the virtual dairy farm tour with your students, there may be many questions. Refer to this document to help answer some of the questions that were not addressed during the tour.
Additional Educational Resources Available: Milk Means More Educational Resources available to download.