Close Encounters with Agriculture

Updated: March 31, 2025

Close Encounters with Agriculture is a free award-winning program offered each year to Montgomery County fourth-grade students from the public, and private sectors. Since 1993, over 100,000 students have participated in this hands-on educational program designed to teach students about modern agriculture, maintaining a robust environment, and making healthy nutritional choices.

Impact Report

Program infographic for 2024 with images

Teacher Testimonial

This trip compliments our focus on nutrition, ecosystems, and being more conscious of our environment.

Student Testimonial

You people have a great park, nice people, and lovely animals and together you make a great community.

Program Teacher Notebooks

Production Agriculture

Students will better understand agriculture production by matching raw products (animal, grain and specialty) with finished products. They will interact with farm animals, and will also try their hand at butter making and milking a simulated cow.
Soils and Environment

Students will better understand how agricultural soil conservation best management practices affect water quality and our environment. Hands-on activities will help children learn about water quality, local soils, soil erosion, wildlife habitat, and things students can do at home to help keep water clean and safe.
Nutrition

Students will study grain products and their relationship to nutrition, diet, and health. Demonstrations, displays, and games will enhance their understanding of the importance of good nutrition.