WHATCOM FARM CIRCLE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF HANDS-ON AG EDUCATION

November 5-6, 2025 was a fun few days for 3^rd graders in Whatcom County! Nearly 1,000 students from schools across the region visited the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds for the 10th annual Whatcom Farm Circle, a hands-on agricultural field trip hosted by Whatcom Family Farmers.

What began a decade ago with just a few Lynden schools has grown into a county-wide effort to connect students with the farmers, crops, and natural resources that sustain their community.

Six Interactive Stations Led by Local Experts - Students rotated through six stations, each hosted by local farmers, educators, and conservation professionals. Over two hours, students gained a hands-on understanding of how their food is grown, harvested, cared for, and delivered.

• Technology on Farms - Kate Steensma (Steensma Creamery) & Rebecca Steiger (Excel Dairy Inc.)
  Students explored how robotics, tracking tags, and modern tools make dairy farms more efficient and improve animal care.
• Water Conservation & Local Food - Adam Brayton & representatives from the Whatcom Conservation District
  A deep dive into the water cycle, the importance of conservation, and how farms steward this essential resource.
• Growing & Harvesting Raspberries - Elea van Weerdhuizen (Rader Farms), Ari Rader (Rader Farms), & Erin Clemmer (Maberry Packing LLC)
  Students learned that about 90% of the nation’s frozen raspberries come from Whatcom County and discovered how berries are harvested and individually frozen.
• Wildlife on Farms - Karen Steensma (Steensma Creamery) & Marie Hegarty (Fair Cow's Path Farm)
  Stuffed wildlife models helped teach students how diverse species—from birds to mammals—help maintain a balanced farm ecosystem.
• Dairy From Farm to Table - Caitlyn Olson (Whatcom Family Farmers), Ashton Beanblossom (Beanblossom Acres), and Dairy Ambassadors Maddie DeLange & Sarah VanBerkum
  This station highlighted calf care, milk production, and the nutritional benefits of dairy products.
• Growing & Harvesting Potatoes - Melissa Bedlington & Sam Bedlington Thiesen (Dick Bedlington Farms)

Students discovered how seed potatoes grow, what “eyes” do, and how farmers know when potatoes are ready for harvest.

Twenty Schools Joined the 2025 Whatcom Farm Circle, Assumption Catholic, Bellingham Christian, Bernice Vossbeck Elementary, Central Elementary, Cordata Elementary, Ebenezer Christian, Everson Elementary, Fisher Elementary, Franklin Academy, Geneva Elementary, Harmony Elementary, Isom Elementary, Lynden Academy, Lynden Christian, Meridian Parent Partnership, Nooksack Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Sumas Elementary, Trinity Classical School and Whatcom Hills Waldorf.

A Community Effort Rooted in Passion

Every station, every lesson, was led by a volunteer expert deeply committed to Whatcom agriculture. Their knowledge, generosity, and enthusiasm are the foundation of this program.

As the Whatcom Farm Circle celebrates a decade of growth, one thing remains clear: the future of local agriculture begins with educating today’s students. This year’s event not only honored that mission but helped inspire the next generation of growers, consumers, and community leaders.

A Decade of Growth and a Look Ahead

With approximately 1,000 students participating over four days and dozens of volunteers donating their time and expertise, this year’s Whatcom Farm Circle showcased the community’s passion for agricultural education. “The leaders we have for all of our stations are so knowledgeable,” said Ellie Steensma Corbin. “I hope we continue to keep the next generation aware of where their food is coming from.”

After 10 years of steady growth, Whatcom Family Farmers is excited to continue expanding this hands-on learning experience, ensuring that future generations stay connected to the land, the people, and the farms that feed their community.