CultivatED
CultivatED is an innovative educational program designed to bring hands-on agricultural learning directly into the classroom. Each curriculum is thoughtfully created to meet grade-level standards while helping students explore and understand the vital role agriculture plays in their community. Through engaging, interactive lessons, students make real-world connections to farming, food production, and sustainability. CultivatED also provides take-home activities that reinforce learning and encourage students to continue exploring agriculture beyond the classroom.
Want to bring CultivatED to your classroom?
For the 2026–2027 academic school year, CultivatED will be offered in two sessions:
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Fall Session: September–December 2026
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Spring Session: January–May 2027
Fall Session Timeline
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Interest Form Opens: August 6, 2026
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Interest Form Closes: September 18, 2026
Beginning the week of September 21, Merced County Farm Bureau staff will contact teachers who submitted an interest form to complete the registration process. The registration process will continue through November 2026. We appreciate your patience as we work through this process.
Classroom presentations for the Fall Session will take place September 28 - December 18, 2026.
Please Note: If your classroom is not selected for the Fall Session, you will receive priority registration for the Spring Session.
Lessons Offered
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) - Kindergarten
Colors of the Valley
Students explore the vibrant world of California agriculture through hands-on learning experiences. Using their senses of touch, they discover and identify a variety of fruits and vegetables grown locally while developing an appreciation for the region's agricultural diversity.
1st - 2nd Grade
The Journey of a Tomato
Students follow the journey of a tomato from farm to fork, exploring the 9 stages of production that bring this everyday food from the field to their plates..
Byproducts of Agriculture: That comes from what?
This lesson introduces students to the many products we use in our daily lives that originate from agriculture. Through interactive activities, they learn how some of their favorite farm animals contribute to producing food, clothing, and other essential products.
3rd -4th Grade
Robots in Agriculture
Students discover how technology and innovation are transforming modern agriculture. Through collaborative, hands-on activities, they work together to design and build a robot while learning about the important role robotics plays in farming.
The Flow of Water
This interactive lesson teaches students about the essential role water plays in agriculture and everyday life. Through engaging team-based activities, students explore how water supports food production and the importance of conserving this valuable natural resource.
If you have questions, please call MCFB at (209) 723-3001 or email Cassandra Valdez at cvaldez@mercedfarmbureau.org.