Cow Palace Prepares Annual Ag Day For Students
The Californer/10327278

SAN FRANCISCO - Californer -- "What does wool feel like before it becomes a sweater?" "How much milk does it take to make a pound of goat cheese?" "How big is a tractor?" Students in grades K–5 will find answers to these and many other questions during Ag Field Trip Day at the Grand National Rodeo at the Cow Palace.

On October 3rd from 8:00 to 1:00, hundreds of students from San Francisco and North San Mateo County schools will descend on the Cow Palace to learn where their food comes from and what it takes to produce it. Exhibitors will provide hands-on experiences in wool production, beef, pest management, crop cultivation, honey production, and more. The halls will also be filled with livestock from the Grand National Jr. Livestock Show, giving students the chance to see goats, sheep, swine, and cattle up close.

After touring the exhibits, students will gather in the historic Cow Palace arena for a special rodeo performance, presented by Flying U Rodeo and hosted by award-winning announcer Anthony Lucia and PBR Entertainer of the Year, Matt Merritt.

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"Ag education isn't just about inspiring future producers," said Cow Palace CEO Dr. Allison Keaney. "It's also about educating young people who will become active citizens, voters, and advocates—people who will play a vital role in strengthening the food supply for future generations."

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma recalled her connection to the Cow Palace: "In 2009, as an Assemblywoman, I (and others) helped save the Cow Palace when it was nearly sold to balance the state budget. Since then, I've stayed involved because it's a vital part of San Francisco's history. Just last year, I saw the joy of students petting pigs, learning about bees, and looking into the eyes of a horse — and I'm proud the Farm Bureau helps make those experiences possible."

Transportation costs have historically been a barrier to participation in Ag Field Trip Day. To address this, the San Francisco Farm Bureau (SFFB)—founded in late 2023—has led a successful effort to fund student transportation. Thanks to generous support from Soiseth Farms, California Poultry Federation, Agri-Culture, Inc., San Mateo County Farm Bureau, JAR Nob Hill, Raj Malhotra, Five Star Bank, and Fiona Ma for Lieutenant Governor, the SFFB raised more than $10,500, enough to sponsor 15 buses for the second year in a row.

For more information, visit https://sffarmbureau.org/events/