06/12/2026
What do cows and cookouts have in common? Our Moo to BBQ Summer Camp found out this week!
Campers spent the morning learning where their food comes from by touring NC A&T Dairy, the NC State Dairy, and the Piedmont Research Station (PRS) Dairy. Youth learned about dairy cattle management, milk production, animal care, and the technology used in modern agriculture. One of the most surprising lessons was discovering that milk never touches human hands before consumption. From the milking parlor to processing and packaging, strict sanitation and food safety measures help ensure a safe, high-quality product reaches consumers.
The camp focused on the farm-to-fork journey of food, helping youth understand the many steps required to get products from the farm to their plate. By seeing dairy operations firsthand and then preparing their own meals, campers gained a greater appreciation for farmers, agricultural workers, and the importance of a safe and reliable food system.
In the afternoon, campers put their cooking skills to the test by preparing hot dogs, hamburgers, cupcakes, and foil packet dinners on charcoal grills. Along the way, they learned important food safety practices, including proper handwashing, preventing cross-contamination, and cooking foods to safe internal temperatures. Campers also gained valuable fire safety knowledge, learned how to safely operate a charcoal grill, manage heat zones, and apply basic grilling techniques that will serve them well for years to come.
Moo to BBQ combined agriculture education, food science, and hands-on cooking to show youth exactly how food moves from the farm to the fork while building practical life skills they can use for years to come.
A special thank you to the farms and volunteers who made this hands-on learning experience possible!
Have you ever cooked Cupcakes on grill??
