Educators joined us for an exciting exploration of agricultural “Fs” found in northern Minnesota. We started the day at Wells Technology and be immersed in their Fabrication and manufacturing processes that have ties to John Deere as well as many other important businesses and industries. Next, we investigated Fiber and the process of using wool to create garments, blankets and more at Bemidji Woolen Mills. This teacher tour also took attendees to the Gustafson beef and crop Farm to dig into food production and conservation. A delicious farm-to-table lunch, and time to build connections with fellow educators while filling your tool box with standards-based, ag-themed resources were all a part of the FUN!
Farm, Fiber and Fabrication Tour Stops
Wells Technology
Wells Technology opened in 1985 as a small consulting business to help the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) industry in a team effort to solve, design, production and distribution challenges. The need for prototypes and precision machined products was the start of the machining business which focused on prompt service and high-quality products. Today Andy Wells keeps Wells technology moving forward with continual growth in capability and provides a wide range of CNC precision machined products. They are also an authorized distribution channel for the Fastenal company. Customized hardware is also something they can do for you. We also saw their solar farm on site and learn more about the use of solar.
Table for 7
Do you know your farmer? We enjoyed lunch at this farm to table restaurant where their vision is to support the local community, farmers, create jobs and bring you healthy and delicious food that feeds your soul. They strive to be as self-sustainable as possible and will bring you a fine dining experience. Loved learning that Amber picked the name of the restaurant because there are 7 people in her family who support her adventure at Table for 7. They were part of everyday and that visitors were joining their table for a meal to capture that farm to table feeling.
Bemidji Woolen Mills
Bemidji Woolen Mills was the third stop. It's a local business with a century of tradition. They make a fine line of woolen clothing, sweaters, and blankets right in Bemidji but also offer products made by many world class companies. Bill Batchelder, who gave the tour to educators, is the 4th generation to run the family business.
Gustafson Farms
The final stop on this teacher tour was Gustafson Farms. Eric and Rosemary Gustafson own and operate the farm with their family. They raise beef cattle as well as various crops. On this tour, we had the opportunity to see the cattle, learn more about Beltrami County crops and marketing these products to our consumers. Their nephew Isaac aided in the tour. We had the opportunity to see some of their machinery, look inside grain bins, get up close to the cattle and see. touch. smell the products fed to the cattle.
Curriculum Connections
To start the Farm, Fiber and Fabrication Tour, educators were provided with the chance to go through the curriculum connections to the tour locations that could easily be brought back to the classroom. Our Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Program has lots of free standards-based, ag-themed resources for educators. If searching for something that was not connected to this teacher tour, check out the Curriculum Matrix, our searchable database of lessons and companion resources.
John Deere, That's Who! - Grades K-2
Students explore how producers and consumers work together to meet human needs by using the book John Deere, That’s Who!
Baa, Ram, Ewe... Sheep Tales - Grades K-2
Students explore the process of making wool into cloth.
Bartering Through the Seasons - Grades 3-5
Students investigate the seasons, explore the process of wool production, and discover how trade and barter have historically allowed people to satisfy their needs and wants.
Machines and People - Grades 3-5
Students define the word "machine," explain how machines are used in agriculture to produce food and fiber, and compare and contrast a variety of machines.
Clothes on the Grow - Grades 6-8
Students will gain a broad understanding of the types and sources of different fibers, examining their origins and observing their differences. Activities in this lesson include examining clothing and clothing labels and observing how different types of fabrics burn.
Robots Wanted! - Grades 6-8
Through project-based learning, students examine fruit and vegetable farms to discover the amount of manual labor required to plant, grow, and harvest some of our food. They research the business economics of farm management, the plant life cycle, and the requirements and challenges faced in reducing manual labor through mechanization or robotics. Students present their findings to an agricultural engineer to begin developing a solution to farm labor shortages.
Beef: Making the Grade - Grades 9-12
Students will evaluate the USDA grading system for whole cuts of beef and discuss consumer preferences and nutritional differences between grain-finished and grass-finished beef. Students will also distinguish various labels on beef products and discuss reasons for the government’s involvement in agricultural production, processing and distribution of food.
