A unique feature of this program is the classroom instruction prior to the field day demonstration phase. Lesson plans were developed in cooperation with teachers. The students typically study food animal agriculture for one to two hours each day for 10 days prior to the field day. At the field day, students see demonstrations involving dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, swine, and catfish. An experiment station employee is a guide on each school bus.
Groups rotate among three demonstration sites.
They spend about 12-15 minutes at three demonstrations at each site for a total of nine presentations. They listen to scientists and technicians. An ice cream treat helps reinforce the relationship between product and source. Coloring books, provided by commodity groups, are given to the children, ensuring further exposure to information about animal agriculture occurs after the field day. Most classes send thank-you letters from the children detailing their experiences at the farms.