Spring 2026 Impact Update
Cultivating Curiosity Together
In the first quarter of 2026, Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover, WI, continued to build meaningful community connections, welcoming 13,579 visitors to explore the innovation and heritage of Wisconsin agriculture. Through 49 specialized field trips, our newly launched Homeschool Day Workshops, and our combined educational initiatives that reached 3,774 students, we continue to fulfill our mission of transforming curiosity into agricultural literacy. These milestones are a direct result of the dedicated support of our donor community.
Q1 By the Numbers: Growing Our Reach
The demand for hands-on agricultural learning remains steady as we expand how we engage with diverse groups. In just three months, we have:
Expanded Student Reach: Hosted 49 field trips, 35 outreach programs, and 12 Tot Time classes, directly engaging youth both in our center and beyond our walls.
Introduced Specialized Learning: Successfully launched our first Homeschool Day Workshop and transitioned our Girl Scout Badge programs to open public offerings. This evolution allows more youth to earn merit badges through structured, agricultural STEM experiences.
Cultivated Community: Welcomed 630 participants through our ticketed cooking classes and hands-on experiences, building confidence in the processes and people involved in our food systems.
Your Support at Work: Giving and Connecting
Everyone depends on agriculture every day, even if they don’t always see it. At the Center, we see that connection happen in real-time—from the excitement on a child's face when they harvest their first carrot to an adult gaining the confidence to cook a healthy, locally-sourced meal.
Help us continue this mission by supporting our annual campaign:
One-Time Gift: Provide immediate resources for our 61 world-class exhibits.
Monthly Supporter: Provide steady, sustainable support for year-round programming.
Program Sponsorship: Directly fund school field trips and community outreach.
Celebrating National Ag Day
On March 24th, we celebrated National Ag Day by connecting visitors directly with the growers and processors who sustain our world. Our interactive “passport” experience encouraged visitors to dive deeper into the science of farming through direct conversations with our industry partners.
A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors: We extend our gratitude to Seneca Foods for sponsoring this event, and to our partners who shared their expertise: Del Monte, Fermented Food Holdings, Gumz Farms, Hancock Research Station, Heartland Farms, Little Potato Company, McCain Foods, USDA, and the WPVGA Spudmobile.
2025 Annual Impact Report
Reflecting on Growth
While 2026 is off to a strong start, it is built upon the foundation of progress you made possible last year. Our 2025 Annual Impact Report shares the full story of the people, programs, and community growth fueled by your generosity.
2026 Major Initiatives
Farm to Fairway Golf Outing
Our newly launched annual Golf Outing is one of the most enjoyable ways to support the Center while connecting with industry leaders. Whether you’re playing or sponsoring a hole, your participation directly supports our educational programs. Register or Sponsor the Golf Outing
Rooted in Gratitude
Rooted in Gratitude (RIG) is our premier annual gathering, bringing together community leaders and supporters to celebrate the stories and innovations that sustain our world. Funds raised power our immersive education programs and statewide outreach. Reserve your spot at the celebration or consider sponsoring RIG 2026.
Help us Celebrate a Woman in Ag
In alignment with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are highlighting Women in Agriculture as our 2026 theme. We are currently collecting nominations to recognize 6 women making an impact in Wisconsin’s crop agriculture.
Events & Engagement
Join Us This Summer
Explore our full summer calendar for more ways to connect with Wisconsin agriculture:
Women in Wine Tasting Series: Celebrate female vintners and agricultural excellence. Join us May 14th with Left Bank Wine or August 21st with Wollersheim Winery.
Youth Summer Camps: Immersive STEM and culinary adventures for the next generation. View 2026 Camp Options.
Spud of the Month: Join us for a culinary deep-dive featuring expert recipes from Potatoes USA. Discover the versatility of the potato with our popular food social clue. Join us June 5th for Deviled Potatoes and July 10th for Potato Confit.
U-Pick Harvest Days: We will be announcing our tentative harvest dates soon! There is no better way to experience "field-to-fork" than by harvesting your own food directly from our demonstration fields. Keep an eye out for updates!
Thank you for being a champion of agricultural literacy. Together, we are growing a future where everyone understands and values the people, science, and stories behind their food.