This past weekend, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) honored Carrie Allord, a third-grade teacher at St. Francis Catholic School in Brainerd, with the Golden Apple Award at their annual Leadership Education Advocacy and Promotion (LEAP) Conference held January 10-11 at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch, Minnesota.
Advancing Agricultural Literacy in Classrooms
Carrie’s dedication to fostering agricultural literacy has earned her numerous accolades, including the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom’s (MAITC) 2024 Outstanding Teacher Award and recognition as a national Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award winner. Her creative use of agriculture-themed books, activities, and hands-on projects, including a classroom chicken named Pearl and a chick-hatching program, helps her students connect agriculture to their everyday lives.
“To be agriculture literate is to understand and respect where our food comes from,” Carrie says. “It is important for teachers and students to share the knowledge of agriculture so that everyone around us understands how agriculture impacts our world and our daily lives.”
About the LEAP Conference
The 2025 MFBF LEAP Conference brought together leaders from across the state to explore agricultural issues and strengthen their skills through breakout sessions, leadership development, and networking opportunities. A special highlight of this year’s event was the Resource Course, where attendees explored valuable MAITC resources/lessons and tools from AgCentric like the career wheel. Farm Bureau members were introduced to the MAITC website and other resources to expand agricultural literacy, equipping them to share resources, connections, and opportunities in their communities and classrooms.
About Golden Apple Award
The Golden Apple Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in working to bring agriculture into classrooms and educating others about farming and ranching. Recipients demonstrate exceptional dedication to fostering agricultural literacy and building connections between classrooms and the agricultural community. This award is presented by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee.
Thank You, Carrie
Carrie’s recognition is a testament to her dedication to moving the mission of the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation forward—increasing agricultural literacy through K-12 education. Her innovative approach inspires curiosity, fosters understanding, and empowers students to value agriculture.