Ag-Venture Educational Programs at Maricopa Agricultural Center

Desert Ag-Ventures

Available January through February.

The Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC Farm) brings in thousands of learners of all ages. During the months of January and February, a special series entitled 'Desert Ag-Ventures' opens up to let seniors and winter visitors learn about arid land agriculture. Most of the world's agriculture takes place in arid environments, so this is a great opportunity for adults from around our nation and Canada to learn about and experience Arizona's agriculture in a fun way.

Water Science Ag-Ventures

Available January through March and again September through October.

Junior and high school students participate in water science education depicting the importance of water conservation and the water cycle. This series is a hands-on experience that engages individuals and emphasizes team work in learning about water science.

Garden Ag-Ventures

Available March through May.

Vegetables are a very important part of our diet. Elementary aged students learn about healthy nutrition, growing techniques, effects of weather, insects, and have the chance to harvest vegetables (depending on harvest conditions).

Nutrition Ag-Ventures 

Available March through May and again September through October.

In this Food-Comes-From-The-Farm series, students learn how many farms it takes to make a pizza. As pizza is the most popular item of choice among today's youth, students learn about how plants grow and all the work it takes to bring healthy, nutritious food to the table. Educational Take-Back-To-The-Classroom activities are provided to help further the Ag-Literacy experience.

Summer Agriculture Institute

Available in June.

The Summer Agricultural Institute is activity based and encourages teachers to participate in a variety of agricultural activities so they can incorporate what they learn into their classroom curriculum. During this five day experience, one day is spent at the MAC Farm learning about the research, extension, and educational program opportunities available at this center.

Amazing Corn Festival

Available October through November.

For thousands of years, corn has been a major staple in our diets. We have grown, ground, and gobbled it down! Students are participants in a variety of educational activities ranging from harvesting, grinding and tasting corn products to creating corn-art.