Skip to Main Content
Chico State

Chico State University Farm Celebrates 60th Anniversary on November 5

A college student drives a tractor beneath a sign that says Chico State University Farm
Jason Halley / University Photographer

The public was able to experience aspects of the Paul L. Byrne Memorial University Farm (FARM) during Wildcat Day on the Farm on Friday, April 22, 2022 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/University Photographer/Chico State)

For more than 60 years, the University Farm at Chico State has played a vital role in educating the agricultural leaders of tomorrow, conducting research to benefit a global industry and raising crops and livestock that help feed the greater community. On Saturday, November 5, the public are invited to attend a free, 60th-anniversary celebration to learn all about the farm, honor its impact and mark more than six decades of serving the North State.

The Chico State Agriculture Ambassadors will lead wagon and walking University Farm tours for those interested in visiting specific areas, such as the animal units, Organic Vegetable Project, the Regenerative Agriculture Demonstration Soil Lab, the Chico State Meats Lab and more. The tours will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the University Farm located at 311 Nicholas C Schouten Ln, Chico, CA 95928.

“We are excited to celebrate 60 years of University Farm history, share special memories and rekindle wonderful friendships forged at the Farm,” said Farm Director Dave Daley. “We welcome alumni and friends for a special opportunity to reconnect and value the impact the Farm has had on students, staff, faculty and the agricultural community for over 60 years.”

From 5 to 6 p.m., a special Dean’s Reception will include remarks from University President Gayle Hutchinson and College of Agriculture Dean Patricia Stock, with a presentation revealing the plans for the new Agriculture Training and Research Center that will be built at the Farm. The Center will serve as a connecting point for the University’s diverse academic research and community agriculture programs as well as serve as a hub and resource for researchers, farm practitioners and more to collaborate and address challenges the agriculture industry faces.

“We are thrilled to open the farm to our greater community and celebrate everything that makes it exceptional,” said Stock. “Whether you are a regular visitor or would be seeing it for the first time, we hope the public will come out to see what’s new and what’s planned for the future, and celebrate more than 60 years of education, research and impact.”

Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, all financial gifts received in honor of the Farm’s 60th anniversary will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $30,000, with an ambitious goal of raising $60,000. All donations go to the University Farm Annual Fund to support its students. Individuals interested in making a gift can do so by visiting https://catsgiveback.csuchico.edu/campaigns/university-farm-60th-anniversary

The University Farm was established in 1960 through the efforts of its namesake, Senator Paul L. Byrne. Designed to to provide hands-on learning and research opportunities, the facility supports classes in agriculture in the same way a chemistry lab supports its discipline. Serving more than just students, farmers and ranchers also benefit from research conducted on the Farm, and the facility’s produce and meat sales have long been popular in the Chico community.

For more information, please contact Darby Heffner at 530-898-6022 or dheffner@csuchico.edu.

Those who require an accommodation to attend the University Farm anniversary event or who have questions about accessibility may contact the Accessibility Resource Center at 530-898-5959.