Since opening in 2013, the Turlock Unified School District Farm has hosted students from across the district and on Friday, it welcomed the entire community to see its progress at an Open House.

Throughout the school year, younger students from the elementary and middle schools plant crops and pick fresh produce during their visits to the farm, while older students from Turlock High and Pitman High participating in their respective FFA chapters pay regular visits to care for their animals. And when they aren’t on the grounds of the farm, all students enjoy its harvest including things like peaches, almonds, walnuts, plums, broccoli and carrots and more as part of their daily lunches.

On Friday, visitors to the farm were able to learn about goats and sheep in the new extended covered barn of approximately 5,500 square feet, learn about market and show rabbits, swine and cattle with FFA students. FFA students were also on hand to show visitors the vegetable garden and almond orchards. 

The TUSD’s Real Fresh Child Nutrition Department also had a food truck out at the farm and were giving out free chips and guacamole, made with fresh ingredients and just like what is served every week at schools throughout the district.