On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, first-grade students from Rossville Elementary School participated in an enriching hands-on learning experience during their annual field trip to Fair Oaks Farms, one of the Midwest’s premier agricultural destinations.
As part of their classroom unit on food origins and agriculture, students explored the Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure, gaining a firsthand look at the dairy production process—from the milking parlor to the processing of milk into dairy products. The field trip is a long-standing tradition for Rossville’s first graders and ties directly into the curriculum focused on understanding where food comes from and how animals are cared for on modern farms.
At the farm, students had the opportunity to witness live cow milking demonstrations, tour a state-of-the-art dairy barn, and interact with exhibits that highlight sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. One of the day’s highlights was tasting fresh ice cream made with milk produced by Fair Oaks’ cows—an experience that brought smiles and a deeper appreciation for the journey food takes from farm to table.
“Fair Oaks Farms offers an immersive, hands-on experience that really helps our students make meaningful connections to what we’ve learned in the classroom,†said Jessica Herman, first-grade teacher at Rossville Elementary. “The kids love seeing the cows up close and especially enjoy the tasting of ice cream. It’s a day they remember all year long.â€
Fair Oaks Farms is widely recognized for its educational outreach. It offers interactive exhibits, guided tours, and agricultural experiences that emphasize the importance of farming in everyday life. In addition to its dairy attraction, the farm also features swine and crop adventures, a birthing barn, and a discovery center designed to engage young learners.
The Rossville first-grade field trip continues to be a memorable experience that not only entertains but also educates, fostering curiosity, respect for agriculture, and a lifelong connection to the food we eat.
