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Seven Colorado agriculture teachers and two CSU Extension faculty members traveled more than 1,000 miles across the state July 27-31, gaining firsthand experience with plant science research, production and agricultural businesses as part of CSU Extension’s Train-the-Teachers in Plant Science Program.
From university research plots and seed testing laboratories to commercial farms, specialty crops and a food hub in the San Luis Valley, seven Colorado agriculture teachers spent five days learning about the science and people behind the state’s diverse plant-based agricultural systems.
The July 27-31 Colorado Ag Field Trip was part of Colorado State University Extension’s Train-the-Teachers in Plant Science Program, a professional development opportunity designed to help high school agriculture teachers expand their knowledge of horticulture and plant science and bring that knowledge back to their classrooms.
The program combines knowledge training with opportunities to connect with CSU faculty, Extension professionals and agricultural industry partners. The weeklong field trip took participants from Fort Collins across Western Colorado, southwest Colorado and the San Luis Valley before returning to Fort Collins.
Below is a list of stops and highlights.
• Heritage Arboretum: Trees suitable for Colorado and surrounding areas.
• CSU Trial Gardens: Displaying and testing suitable annuals and perennials.
• Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center: Agricultural research, seed testing and CoAgMET weather station.
• Western Colorado Research Center: Community Alliance for Education for Education and Hunger Relief and specialty-crop production.
• Talbott’s Farms: Fruit production and agrivoltaics.
• Adobe Milling: Anasazi bean production and marketing.
• Southwest Seed Inc.: Seed production, processing and storage.
• Mesa Verde Lavender Farm: Lavender production, processing and marketing.
• Growing Spaces: Greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture.
• CSU San Luis Valley Research Center: Potato certification, alternative crops and tissue culture.
• Rockey Farms: Innovative seed potato production.
• Zapata Seed Company: Commercial potato seed production and development.
• Valley Roots Food Hub: Local food aggregation and distribution.
“This experience gave teachers an opportunity to see plant science in action across Colorado,” said Mengmeng Gu, director of the Campus Extension Program in the Office of Engagement and Extension and tour leader. “They were able to connect university research and Extension education with the real-world decisions being made by producers, agricultural businesses and communities.”
Many teachers, including these on the trip, will soon be enrolled in Green School, which is offered by OEE. “Teachers are on the front lines of preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals,” Gu said. “When we can give them opportunities to experience Colorado agriculture firsthand and connect them with the people doing the work, they can take those experiences back to their students.”
The Train-the-Teachers in Plant Science Program is partially funded by USDA NIFA Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fields Program. The program focuses on horticulture and plant science education for Colorado high school agriculture teachers. High school teachers interested in the program are encouraged to register online.
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