Photos from 2026 Santa Barbara County Farm Day

Santa Barbara County Farm Day Recap

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, SEEAG hosted the 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, bringing our community together to celebrate, explore, and connect with local agriculture. Designed as a free, family-friendly event, Farm Day invites neighbors, families, ag enthusiasts, and the greater community to experience local farming and learn firsthand where our food comes from. This year, over 5,500 guests joined us across 17 unique agricultural locations. From interactive behind-the-scenes tours and tractor rides to fresh produce tastings and hands-on STEM exhibits for kids, the day offered something for everyone with the shared goal of deepening our connection to the land and the people who cultivate it.

VIP Tour Highlights

A central highlight of the day was our Farm Day VIP Tour, which brought together Santa Barbara County leaders, elected officials, local partners, and special guests for an insider look at our regional agricultural ecosystem.

The morning kicked off at the Mark Richardson CTE Center, where guests gathered to hear opening remarks from guest speakers, including our Executive Director Caitlin, who set the stage for an inspiring day focused on agricultural education and leadership. From there, VIP guests boarded donated bus transportation provided by Santa Barbara Airbus to explore three additional sites representing the diverse landscape of local ag:

Mark Richardson CTE Center: Showcasing career and technical education pathways preparing the next generation for agricultural and vocational leadership.
Growing Grounds Farm: Demonstrating the intersection of therapeutic horticulture, community support, and local plant production.
Plantel Nurseries: Providing an up-close look at high-volume agricultural seedling production and innovative nursery technology.
Bien Nacido Estate Winery & Vineyards: Offering insights into sustainable vineyard practices and estate winemaking on the Central Coast.

The tour concluded at the historic Bien Nacido Estate Winery, where guests enjoyed a delicious lunch and curated wine tasting. The gathering featured a powerful panel discussion with 5 key agricultural leaders and farm representatives. Together, they answered guest questions, tackled challenging topics facing modern growers, and engaged in a forward-looking conversation on the future of agriculture in Santa Barbara County.

A Special Thank You

Farm Day is only possible through the generosity and commitment of our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to:

Our Generous Sponsors: Your foundational support ensures Farm Day remains 100% free to the public, keeping agricultural education accessible for all families across our region.
Our Host Locations & Partners: Thank you for opening your doors, sharing your expertise, and giving our community a true behind-the-scenes look at local farming.
Our Dedicated Volunteers: From guiding traffic to greeting guests with friendly smiles, your hard work and energy made the day seamless.
Our 5,500+ Attendees: Thank you for taking the time to ask questions, listen, learn, and celebrate the hands and lands that feed us!

Events like Santa Barbara County Farm Day remind us of the critical role agriculture plays in our daily lives, economy, and community well-being. We are honored to bridge the gap between our community and agriculture, and we can’t wait to see you next year!

To learn more about SEEAG’s year-round agricultural education programs or to support our mission, visit SEEAG.org.

Questions or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out directly to: