What happens on a student agri-tour? Inside a real American school visit

Learning through experience

In March, we welcomed a group of secondary students from the San Francisco area. Their aim was to better understand how food is grown, processed and consumed — and the tour we developed offered just that.

From emus to auctions

The group visited an emu farm and sampled emu meat over lunch, explored a working mixed farm, and attended a cattle auction. They were also introduced to apiculture (beekeeping), learning how bees support food systems in more ways than one.

Photo: Wiradjuri elder Mark Saddler talks to visiting school group about traditional Aboriginal food production and distribution techniques.

Cultural depth in Wagga Wagga

Led by local guide Mark Sattler from Bindyi Tours, the students explored downtown Wagga Wagga to uncover native plant life still present in the city. They also visited the Museum of the Riverina, gaining insight into the cultural and social shifts across the region.

Cooking, chocolate and connection

One of the highlights was a hands-on cooking class at Food I Am. The students prepared and enjoyed a meal using local produce. A stop at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory rounded out the experience. Educational and deeply engaging, tours like this leave lasting impressions.