New Partnership Means More Fun at Fair Oaks for School Children
More school-aged children will get to visit Fair Oaks Farms because of a newly announced partnership between Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and Indiana Pork. The two organizations are working together to provide discounts to school field trips and to provide transportation grants for their travel to and from Fair Oaks, according to an ISA release.
“The Pig Adventure at Fair Oaks is an excellent opportunity for students to see the inside of a pig barn,” said Jeanette Merritt, director of checkoff programs for Indiana Pork. “Typically, today’s youth are at least three generations removed from a family farm. A field trip to the Pig Adventure allows them a chance to see a modern farm and interact with the people raising those pigs.”
The partnership provides a $3 discount for tours of Fair Oaks, the release said. School groups can also apply for transportation grants to cover busing costs.
Funding restrictions prevent many schools from opportunities like this, said Hannah Vorsilak, ISA marketing operations and leadership director.
“We are excited to take a bit of that burden off their shoulders and give students the opportunity to visit a really progressive and innovative farm,” Vorsilak said.
The partnership with ISA and Indiana Pork will pave the way for more educators and future generations to learn about modern agriculture and where food comes from, said Julie Basich, chief operating officer for Fair Oaks Farms.
“Fair Oaks Farms is grateful for this opportunity and has worked hard to provide STEM programs that the educators not only feel good about, but are excited to share with their students and families,” Basich said. “Less than 2% of the population is involved in agriculture, so being able to make these discussions more accessible to our youth is crucial in bridging that gap.”
For more information, visit https://fofarms.com/plan-my-visit/educators.
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