Farm Squad

A new program is bringing hundreds of elementary school students to campus to teach them about the importance of agriculture in their daily lives.

The Cal Poly Pomona Farm Squad brought 350 students to campus for a two-week period last summer. They learned about cotton and how it grows and turns into Fabric. They picked a vegetable at the Children's Garden and planted a pea plant in a mini greenhouse to take home with them.

They also watched an educational video on farming; interacted with farm animals and learned about wool and different types of animal feed; and saw how orange juice is made and they learned how to properly fill their plate with appropriate and healthy portion sizes through an educational demonstration.

The program is the work of Professor Broc Sandelin, the animal and veterinary sciences department and the Farm Store. Jim Hicks, a longtime supporter of the college, funded the program, which is intended to stimulate students’ interest in agriculture.

The college is expected to host more elementary school students this spring