Partners in Education

The Bradford Research and Extension Center is proud to be a Partner in Education with the Columbia Blue Ridge Elementary School. Since 2005, Bradford has hosted nearly 480 students each year from Blue Ridge Elementary as an incentive trip.

The students learned about agriculture and how it affects their everyday lives and had a chance to venture into the corn maze. Since 2006 we have grown thousands of pumpkins for students to pick. We look forward in doing more with Blue Ridge Elementary by bringing science into the classroom as well as hosting an aquatic day and other special events.

Blue Ridge Elementary students enjoying the corn maze.
Students on the tour wagons ready to discover new and exciting things in agriculture at Bradford such as what does cotton look like or where do peanuts come from.
Students search for that perfect pumpkin. Many will choose a pumpkin that weighs as much as they do!!! Whereas others pick one that is shaped just right.
Their prized possessions!
After a hard morning of work the students enjoy lunch under Bradford’s big tent.
Blueridge Elementary also had a special "Fishing Day" in May.
Students got a chance to go fishing for an hour and many caught their very first fish. On the average students caught 6 fish each.
Students get a first-hand look at a new crop in Missouri-Fresh Water Prawns. Some with wonder, others with disgust!
Blueridge Students get a chance to learn about gardening and do something for others. They are planting a row for the hungry. In 2011 over 400 lbs of tomatoes were picked and delivered to the Mid Missouri Food Bank from their plantings.