For the Chicago Farmers 2016 Summer Tour, we will visit the highly regarded Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHAS), located in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood on the, south side of Chicago at 3857 W. 111th Street. For directions to the school, please visit the High School’s website at www.chicagoagr.org. The tour will take place on Thursday, August 11th, beginning at 10:00 am.

CHAS opened in 1985 on one of the last working farms within the Chicago city limits. At that time, there was concern about the future of agriculture education and agriculture in general. To address the shortage of graduates entering the agriculture field, the school focused the curriculum on agribusiness and plant and animal sciences. Today, students operate a full-fledged farm, including horticulture and livestock production. It is very impressive to see what these young people are doing.

During our visit, the students will be on hand to conduct the tour of the facilities, explaining further the curriculum and their studies. Following the tour, we have been invited to stay for lunch at the school by Principal William Hook. The menu will consist of in-season items from the students’ farm.

Join us in encouraging the next generation, as we learn about what they’re doing to advance and contribute to agriculture. Bring a friend to hear the inspiring story of CHAS. Guests are welcome.

A $20 donation to CHAS in place of a registration fee is asked, as they are opening their doors to us for no cost on August 11th. To donate, please register online. Once all monies are collected, the Chicago Farmers will cut a check to CHAS on behalf of the group following the tour.