Fifth Graders Get a Taste of Dairy Life at CoJo Dairy

Thanks to the support of the Meeker County Farm Bureau and Michael Niedzielski, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Litchfield Middle School fifth graders enjoyed a hands-on experience at CoJo Dairy near Grove City on Thursday, May 15. The students are still talking about it!

The field trip, organized as part of the students’ unit on ecosystems, gave them a unique opportunity to see agriculture in action. From feeding calves to learning about the complex diets of dairy cows, students explored the full cycle of food production and gained a deeper understanding of the role agriculture plays in their everyday lives.

“The visit to CoJo Dairy helped me as a teacher in several ways,” said Stephanie VanDerBill, fifth grade teacher at Litchfield Middle School. “We talk about the importance of agriculture in the classroom quite a bit, as well as food chains and food webs, but nothing beats actually going and seeing animals in person to learn about these topics.”

The visit included several rotating learning stations, each offering a new perspective on the inner workings of a modern dairy farm. The visit concluded with a chance to play with calves, which was an instant favorite, followed by a refreshing ice cream treat. Back in the classroom, students revisited what they learned through a custom Kahoot game, reinforcing new knowledge in a fun and engaging way.

“One of the biggest learnings for the students was that many thought cows just eat grass,” said VanDerBill. “At CoJo, they learned how complex of a diet a cow really has and how much goes into feeding a dairy cow.”

Perhaps even more impactful was the seed planted in students' minds about future careers in agriculture. While it may take years to fully see the results, the exposure they gained on this field trip could influence their educational paths and career choices down the road.

The day began with a stop at the Pollinating Plots at the Waterfowl Production Area in Forest City before heading to the dairy. Both experiences tied back to key themes in the fifth-grade science curriculum: ecosystems, biodiversity, and the human connection to the environment.

CoJo Dairy is located near Grove City, Minnesota, and is a proud member of the Meeker County Farm Bureau. Their warm welcome and well-organized stations made the day both educational and fun for students and adults alike.

As sponsors, we wanted to ensure the day left a lasting impression. Each student took home a Marigold Planting Kit, a fun reminder that even the smallest plants can make a big difference.

“Our office and Meeker County Farm Bureau were thrilled to sponsor the Litchfield 5th Grade Pollinator Planting Day Field Trip! To help keep the planting spirit alive, each student took home their very own Marigold Planting Kit,” said Michael Niedzielski. “A fun reminder that even the smallest plants can make a big difference!”

The Meeker County Farm Bureau is proud to support local students and educators by creating opportunities that bring classroom lessons to life and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

If you believe in supporting agriculture, education, and community, consider joining us. Learn more and become a member today at meekerfarmbureau.com/join.