Visiting the Farm
The 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 further clarification.
- Dogs and pets are prohibited. Service dogs are allowed, but access to livestock units is restricted.
Prospective Students
- As the living laboratory for the College of Agriculture, 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.
- The College of Agriculture Student Success Office coordinates campus and farm visits for prospective students in both group and individual settings.
- Call 530-898-4262 to schedule a visit.
School and Group Tours
- Group tours must be scheduled two week in advance with the Farm Office and are contingent on the availability of tour guides and general farming conditions (e.g. extreme heat, severe storms). Call 530-898-6343 to inquire about tour availability.
- Elementary school tours are for 3rd grade and above, in line with the “Ag in the classroom” program.
- Tour participants must follow the direction of the tour guide (e.g. not opening gates, walking into closed areas, etc.)
Producers, Livestock and Volunteers
- Agricultural producers who visit the Farm are requested to be careful with any potential exposure to pests and disease prior to visiting. This includes wearing clean shoes/boots when on the tour, and wearing disposable boots as requested by Farm staff.
- No livestock can be delivered to the Farm without the approval of the Farm Administrator.
- All persons who volunteer at the Farm in any capacity must complete a Volunteer form in advance, that will be filed in the Farm Office and with Risk Management.
- Call the Farm Office at 530-898-6343 for more information.