University Farm — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico
A student standing in a cornfield.

University Farm

Agriculture can’t be learned solely from a textbook. That’s why our 800-acre Paul L. Byrne Memorial University Farm is so important to the Chico State Ag program. It’s the place where our students literally get their hands dirty putting into practice the concepts they learn in the classroom.

View Farm Sales and Hours of Operation

The University Farm was established in 1960 through the efforts of its namesake, Senator Paul L. Byrne. The facility supports classes in agriculture in the same way a chemistry lab supports its discipline. Whether participating in class labs or working as part-time employees, thousands of students have benefited from the University Farm, located on Hegan Lane, five miles south of the main Chico State campus.

The farm serves more than just students. Farmers and ranchers benefit from research conducted on the farm, and the farm’s produce and meat sales have long been popular in the Chico community. Grade-school field trips are also a long-standing Chico tradition. Thousands of children tour the farm annually. For most of them it is their first exposure to live farm animals and hands-on interaction with farming. The farm is also the site of countless professional seminars and Future Farmers of America and 4-H field days.

Location and Farm Units

  • niversity Farm (FARM) during Wildcat Day on the Farm

    Visit the Farm

    Chico State’s University Farm welcomes visitors to explore our living laboratory. Guided tours are by appointment only—no walk-throughs or unsupervised visits. Safety education and biosecurity are top priorities. Guests can learn about student-led operations across diverse farm units.

  • Dairy cows graze at University Farm

    Farm Units

    Our working and educational farm units include aquaponics, beef unit, farm office, greenhouses, irrigation training facility, meats lab, mushroom unit, orchards, organic dairy unit, organic vegetable project, regenerative agriculture, row crops, sheep unit, and swine unit.

Peaches at the University Farm
Coming Soon

U-Pick Peaches

The sweetest tradition of summer is almost here, but peach season isn’t open just yet. Join us soon at the Chico State University Farm for our annual U-Pick Peaches event, where you can hand-pick sun-ripened, student-grown peaches straight from the orchard.

Scenes from the University Farm

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  • Student kneeling in a field surrounded by cows.

    With Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) support, Chico State created the West’s first university-based Organic Dairy. Students manage everything—milking, breeding, pasture rotations, feeding, and certification—gaining full-spectrum experience in organic dairy operations, compliance, and sustainability.

  • Beef cattle graze at the Paul L. Byrne Memorial University Farm

    The Beef Unit is used extensively in Chico State’s Ag curriculum and as an educational and business tool for industry cooperators. The student-run beef enterprise provides significant hands-on experience in animal science and beef cattle production.

  • A row of trees adorned with vibrant pink blossoms in full bloom, creating a picturesque spring scene.

    Students apply classroom knowledge in Chico State’s orchards, managing almonds, walnuts, and more through research collaborations, variety trials, and modern irrigation systems that mirror today’s commercial practices.

  • Students Fruit and Nut Production (PSSC 366) class count flowers and spray compounds to try and increase fruit set in the almond orchards

    Students Fruit and Nut Production (PSSC 366) class count flowers and spray compounds to try and increase fruit set in the almond orchards.

  • A large white greenhouse with an open door, inviting light and air into the lush plants inside.

    Five greenhouses of different styles and sizes provide students the opportunity to grow plants in a wide range of environments.

  • Agriculturists attend a two-day interactive Annual California Soil Health Field Days event dedicated to exploring and promoting regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, productivity

    Agriculturists attend a two-day interactive Annual California Soil Health Field Days event dedicated to exploring and promoting regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and productivity.

  • A student employee at the Meats Lab stands next to a meat rack, looking at the various cuts of meat available.

    The Meats Lab is a meat processing facility where students gain knowledge of multiple facets of the meat industry. Students participate in production through labs, internships, and employment.

  • Student involved with the Organic Vegetable Project harvests lettuce in a green house at the Chico State University Farm.

    Chico State’s Organic Vegetable Project grows 50+ crops for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members and the Wildcat Food Pantry. Students gain real-world skills in organic production, research, and community outreach while supporting local farmers, food access, and sustainability education.

Paul L. Byrne Memorial University Farm

Address:
311 Nicholas C Schouten Ln
Chico, CA 95928

Phone: 530-898-6343