Minnesota agricultural literacy took center stage as 567 registered attendees and 95 volunteers, including educators, supporters, and advocates, gathered for the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. The Minnesota Reception, hosted by the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, brought together more than 65 Minnesotans dedicated to inspiring students through agricultural education.
Planting Seeds for the Future
Years ago, visionary stakeholders planted the seeds of agricultural literacy across Minnesota. Today, their early efforts continue to thrive, creating opportunities for students of all ages to discover the vital role agriculture plays in everyday life.
The Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation continues this important work thanks to generous funding partners, passionate educators, and committed community members. The impact of these combined efforts was on full display at the reception, where partners heard directly from educators whose classrooms have been transformed by agricultural education.
Celebrating Partnerships and Recognizing Champions
The reception at Brit’s Pub provided a special moment to celebrate the relationships and teamwork that have driven the mission forward. Attendees gathered for an evening of connection, recognition, and networking while enjoying hors d’oeuvres in the heart of Minneapolis.
At 6:30 p.m., the MAITC Foundation recognized key partners whose leadership, service, and commitment have helped cultivate agricultural literacy across the state and beyond. Among those honored were members of the Advisory Team, Board of Directors, legislative champions, and dedicated funding partners.
Honored Guests and Key Supporters
The evening spotlighted several valued individuals and organizations whose support continues to shape agricultural education:
- Joe Serbus, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Representative
- Keith Olander and Judy Barka, AgCentric
- Jennifer Hanson from Northarvest Bean
- Angela Guentze and Scott Winslow, Minnesota Corn Growers Association
- Paul Hugunin, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Cathleen Drilling, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Ryan Galbreath, USDA - NRCS
- Lisa McCann, Midwest Dairy
Celebrating Outstanding Educators
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of 2025 MAITC Outstanding Teacher Award Winner Nathan Lund. The MAITC Outstanding educators are among those who have gone above and beyond to integrate agriculture into their classrooms and inspire their students, may of which came to the MN Reception:
- Nathan Lund, 2025
- Carrie Allord, 2024
- Tiffany Kobbermann, 2022
- Tiffany Kortbein, 2020
- Beth Sletta, 2019
- Amy Mastin, 2018
- McKenzie Gregory, 2017
Honoring Leadership and Service
The reception also provided an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have helped shape MAITC's direction over the years. Past MAITC, Inc. Foundation Executive Director Joel Mathiowetz came to join in the celebration of MAITC and the progress the organization and foundation has made over the years.
The following Board of Directors members were also in attendance, many were also spotted in action volunteering during the conference, reflecting the strong leadership that supports this growing movement:
- Tiffany Kortbein
- Pam Debele
- Mark Greenwood
- Angela Guentzel
- Kayla Pieh (not pictured)
- Haley Ammann-Ekstrom (not pictured)
- Jen Wagner-Lahr (not pictured)
- Katie Drewitz (not pictured)
- Kari Schwab
- Abby Gail Little (not pictured)
- Paul Hugunin
Additionally, several dedicated educators concluded their terms on the Educator Advisory Committee, including:
- McKenzie Gregory
- Jeni Breidenbach
- Meghan Sunderland
- Josh Munoz
- Beth Sletta
- Amy Mastin
Their contributions have been instrumental in guiding MAITC's work and ensuring that agricultural literacy reaches classrooms in meaningful ways.
Connecting Faces, Strengthening Bonds
For many, the event was more than a celebration, it was a chance to meet face-to-face with people they had previously only worked with online. These personal connections strengthen the collective mission and remind us that together we are making a difference.
As the evening wrapped up, it was clear that the movement for Minnesota agricultural literacy is stronger than ever. Through collaboration, recognition, and shared purpose, we are cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders and informed citizens.