Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) has been hosting Summer Teacher Tours, a unique summer professional development opportunity for K-12 educators, since 2014. Educators are invited to join in for a one or two day tour filled with exciting exploration of production, processing and distribution techniques. These tours also allow educators of all backgrounds to gain a better understanding of the standards-based, agriculture themed lesson plans and resources available for free to them from MAITC.
The Hands that Feed Us
This Teacher Tour took place in Mankato, Minnesota on June 19, 2024 and hosted K-12 educators from around the state of Minnesota. Teachers connected directly with farmers who were growing and raising food for not only their local communities, but the world.
MAITC staff have always been incredibly adaptable to the needs of both education and agriculture. This year's Hands that Feed Us tested that! This was the first time since Teacher Tours started in 2014 that Minnesota Ag in the Classroom had to pivot due to weather. Substantial flooding and rainfall were the causes of weather issues. Because of this, the tour "stops" became guest speakers at a host location, Compeer Financial.
Teachers heard from The Little Green Wagon (roadside pumpkin patch, pasteurized eggs, produce and pigs) as well as Sasse Lake Farms (homegrown black angus beef). They worked through several curriculum connections in this time as well.
Orchard to Market
This Teacher Tour took place in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The tour focused on how apples are researched, grown and made into many delicious products right in the Twin Cities.
Educators participated in a wagon ride through the trees of Pine Tree Apple Orchard to learn about plant growth, insect and pest management, weather protection, tree care and their connection with University of Minnesota research. Next, they stepped behind the scenes at Bix Produce Co. to learn about produce processing and distribution. They also made a stop at Bailey Nurseries and culminated with treats at Pine Tree Apple Orchard.
Attendees networked with other Minnesota K-12 teachers on the tour and worked through several curriculum connections too!
Farm, Fiber & Fabrication
The Farm, Fiber & Fabrication Teacher Tour took place in Bemidji, Minnesota on July 22, 2024. The tour focused on the agricultural Fs found in northern Minnesota.
Teachers started their day at Wells Technology and were immersed in their fabrication and manufacturing processes tied to John Deere. Next, they made a crowd favorite stop at Bemidji Woolen Mills to learn about the use of wool to create garments, blankets and more. The tour then stopped at Gustafson beef and crop farm to dig into food production and conservation.
The day also featured a delicious farm-to-table lunch and time to build connections with fellow educators while filling their toolboxes with standards-based, ag-themed resources. Tour attendees were also gived a fun wool felting kit for their classroom!
