This June, Minnesota proudly hosts the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom (NAITC) Conference, themed “Lakes, Land, and Legends,” from June 23–26 at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. This premier professional development event brings together over 600 educators, volunteers, and agricultural literacy leaders from across the nation to explore innovative ways to integrate agriculture into K-12 education.
Showcasing Minnesota's Agricultural Richness
Attendees will engage in workshops that connect agriculture to core subjects, aligning with national education standards. Traveling workshops offer firsthand experiences of Minnesota’s diverse agricultural landscapes, from family farms to farmers' markets, highlighting the state's rich agricultural heritage, technology innovation and more.
Celebrating Educators: The “25 in 2025” Scholarship
In a significant initiative, the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) Foundation awarded full scholarships to 25 dedicated Minnesota educators, enabling them to attend the conference. These educators represent a wide range of subject areas and schools across the state, from Red Lake to Worthington. This opportunity, made possible by our generous investors, empowers educators to bring agricultural literacy into their classrooms, fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture among students.
Gratitude to Our Valued Investors
The success of this conference is a testament to the unwavering support of our investors:
- Minnesota Corn Growers Association:
Provided sponsorship for the conference bags, ensuring attendees have the necessary materials for an enriching experience. Celebrating 36 years of support for MAITC, Minnesota Corn also funds programs like Farm Camp Minnesota, helping students explore agricultural careers and experiences firsthand. - Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council:
Sponsored transportation for traveling workshops and Farm Camp visits, facilitating immersive agricultural experiences across the state and making hands-on learning possible. - Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation:
Provided branded spatulas as part of the table drops. Their broad support, from policy and outreach to safety and education, continues to shape Minnesota’s agricultural story and strengthen the partnership with MAITC. - American Sugar Alliance:
Donated lip balm as part of the table drops and helps highlight Minnesota’s sugarbeet industry through resources like our AgMag, connecting students to one of the state’s top crops. Minnesota growers consistently support MAITC through the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Education Foundation and Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative. They are also exhibiting and supporting this conference. - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS – Minnesota):
Supports MAITC program efforts including the summer teacher tours, soil health education and AgMag content experts, connecting classrooms with real-world conservation and sustainability practices. - Compeer Financial:
Contributed to various aspects of the conference. They have been helping grow agricultural literacy and impact educators by supporting MAITC for 39 years. - Midwest Dairy:
Helped make the conference possible through sponsorship, emphasizing their dedication to youth development and agricultural literacy. The farmers of Midwest Dairy provide extensive virtual field trip experiences and learning opportunities with MAITC for 38 years. - Additional Supporters:
Contributed to various aspects of the conference, including those who support the “25 in 2025” scholarships.
Their collective contributions have been instrumental in creating a memorable and impactful conference for all participants.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to welcome educators from across the country, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a role in bringing this conference to life. We look forward to sharing more about the conference's outcomes and the continued efforts to enhance agricultural literacy in classrooms nationwide.
Stay tuned for updates and stories from the conference!
