Schools

Fifth Grade Students Tour Golden Oaks Farm Over Three Days

More than 300 students had the opportunity to visit the Golden Oaks Farm.

 

Students from throughout McHenry County joined Illinois State Senator Pamela J. Althoff (R- Crystal Lake) this week for a hands-on experience at a state-of-the-art dairy facility located in Lake County. 

This field trip, funded primarily through sponsors is the only field trip for , and Elementary Schools fifth grade students.

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Along with teachers, administers and parents, students experienced Illinois agriculture at Golden Oaks Farm

In addition to learning about composting and plant production, students learned about animal care, calf rearing and milk production through a visit sponsored by Sen. Althoff and “What we Make by the Lake”, a division of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program, Class of 2012.

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Students also had an opportunity to eat pizza made with cheese made from milk produced by Golden Oaks Farm’s dairy herd.

“It’s so important that both kids and their parents understand where their food comes from before it even reaches the grocery store,” said Tim Stuenkel with TeeJet Technologies.  “That’s why today is so beneficial.  By having the kids visit Golden Oaks Farm we’re able to show them the whole process from animal feeding to milk to cheese to the table.”

Former Dallas Cowboy great D.D. Lewis kicked off the week by coaching students on crop nutrients, and their role in foods.  Lewis’, who will also signed autographs, visit was sponsored by PotashCorp.  

Golden Oaks Farm, LLC was established in 1948 by the Crown Family of Chicago.  Each year the farm hosts milk enthusiasts as well as several hundred local students who are eager to learn about the dairy industry and the farm’s herd of roughly 700 milking females. 

The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program is the premier leadership program in Illinois and has provided for and strengthened agricultural leadership since its founding in 1981.

Candidates, ages 25 to 49, are selected based on demonstrated leadership activities and potential, commitment to learning, and accountability to the Illinois and United States agricultural industry.

“So many people don’t have the opportunity to see a working dairy farm or to truly see where the food they eat comes from,” said Dan Biernacki, owner of Ted’s Greenhouse. “We’re honored to have helped make this day possible.”

The students’ visit to the dairy farm is the only fifth grade curriculum field trip of the year.

 

Sponsors/supporters.

PotashCorp

Ball Horticultural Company

Community Sewer Service 

Cook County Farm Bureau

DeKalb/Asgrow

Golden Oaks Farm, LLC

Grande Cheese Company

Dow AgroSciences, LLC

Midwest Dairy Council

Monsanto Company

Pioneer Hi-Bred

Prairie Farms Dairy

Ted’s Greenhouse

TeeJet Technologies

Wagner Farm

Walnut Grove Farms

 

                Information provided by the office of Senator Althoff


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