Visit the Farm

Our University Farm serves as the center for agricultural education, literacy, and research for a significant portion of Northern California. We welcome opportunities to show off our “living laboratory” to students, youth, farmers and ranchers, and the public. We also take seriously our obligation to safety, biosecurity, and our primary mission of educating our students. Please read and abide by the following policies if you are considering a visit to the University Farm.

Biosecurity refers to measures that are taken to stop the spread or introduction of harmful organisms to human, animal, and plant life. 

All Visitors

• The University Farm is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No access outside of normal business hours will be allowed without accompaniment by faculty, staff, or student employees.
• All visitors must check in at the Farm Office.
• Self-guided tours are not allowed.
• Visitors are expected to follow all posted signs and instructions of farm staff/tour guides.
• No photography without the permission of the tour guide and/or the staff technician at each enterprise. Ask at the Farm Office for clarification.
• Dogs and pets are prohibited. Service dogs are allowed, but access to livestock units is restricted.

Take a Tour

As the living laboratory for the College of Agriculture, our farm has a lot to offer and we encourage visits. There are a variety of tour types depending on the purpose of your visit.

Prospective Chico State Students 
High school and community college students who are considering majoring in agriculture at Chico State are encouraged to visit the University Farm as part of their college exploration. Students scheduling a campus tour can add a farm tour to their reservation or they can reach out to  farmtour@csuchico.edu preferably 2 weeks in advance.  

During the school year, we offer tours Monday–Friday at 2:30 p.m.. Summer, farm tours are limited and times vary due to staff availability and heat concerns.

Schedule a Campus Tour

School Tours 

We welcome school visits for grades 4 - high school.  We will do our best to create a tour experience that meets all participants needs and prefer requests at least a month in advance.

• Grades 4-8 can be scheduled by calling 530-898-6343.
• High school groups can be scheduled by emailing farmtour@csuchico.edu. 

Public Tours

Please check back for upcoming  public tour dates.

Producers, Livestock, and Volunteers

• All visitors must check in at the Farm Office.
• Agricultural producers visiting the Farm are requested to be careful about any potential exposure to pests and disease prior to visiting. This includes wearing clean shoes/boots and using disposable boots as requested.
• No livestock can be delivered to the Farm without the approval of the Farm Administrator.
• All volunteers must complete a Volunteer form in advance. This will be filed with the Farm Office and Risk Management.
• Call the Farm Office at 530-898-6343 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a field trip cost?
There is no cost to tour the University Farm.

How long does a tour take?
Tours range between 1 and 2 hours depending on the experience.

Where do I go?
Guests should park in guest parking.

Is this a walking tour?
We offer both walking and riding tours. Tractor trailers are available if mobility assistance is needed.  This request must be made ahead of time.

Can I wear sandals?
Closed-toe, comfortable shoes are encouraged.

Do visitors get to go into the animal pens?
To follow our biosecurity measures, visitors should not open gates or enter animal pens unless instructed.

Can a parent chaperone bring other children on the school farm field trip?
Only children enrolled in the class attending the field trip are allowed.

Can I take photos on the farm tour?
Yes, but please ask the tour guide before taking photos of specific units.

What happens if I show up late?
Arrive on time to respect staff and student schedules. A late arrival may affect your ability to see all parts of the farm. If you're delayed, call the Farm Office at 530-898-6343.