Word of the year: Impact!
Curiosity sparked, connections made, and minds opened, 2024-2025 was an extraordinary year for Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC). From expanding program reach to launching a new strategic plan, this year was all about measurable impact, meaningful partnerships, and continued growth.
Expanding Reach and Connection
MAITC connected with more educators than ever before, reaching 88% of Minnesota’s public school districts along with private, charter, and homeschool programs. Through partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Foundation delivered hands-on learning experiences that inspired over 158,728 students statewide. From lessons about pollinators to in-depth farm visits, students across Minnesota discovered how science, technology, and sustainability shape the future of agriculture.
Celebrating 40 Years of Agricultural Literacy
This year marked a milestone as MAITC celebrated 40 years of advancing agricultural literacy. Since 1985, the program has provided meaningful resources, experiences, and partnerships that connect students and educators to agriculture’s vital role in daily life. The celebration continues with plans for a special in-person reception in July 2026 to honor this legacy.
Programs that Inspire
Highlights from the year include:
- AgMag: Over 107,772 AgMags distributed, a 21% increase from last year, reaching classrooms across Minnesota.
- Farm Camp Minnesota: Engaged 1,032 students and 55 educators across 21 counties through farm tours, classroom learning, and career exploration.
- Virtual Field Trips: Reached 7,322 students from 370 classrooms with live tours of Minnesota farms.
- Farm and Food Book Month: Expanded from a week into a full month of readings, connecting with 2,340 students across 114 classrooms.
- School Garden Conference: Brought together 107 educators and partners to support thriving school garden programs.
- Ag Literacy and First-Year Teacher Grants: Distributed more than $12,000 in funding to support 23 classroom projects.
Strategic Growth and Sustainability
This year also marked the launch of MAITC Foundation’s new Strategic Plan, developed with input from educators, partners, and stakeholders. The plan focuses on four goals: strengthening relationships, expanding student understanding of agriculture and careers, maintaining a strong financial foundation, and engaging audiences through data-driven storytelling.
Gratitude and Partnership
During the 2024-2025 Annual Meeting, held virtually on September 24, 2025, sponsors including Midwest Dairy, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, USDA-NRCS Minnesota, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, and Compeer Financial shared insights on the importance of partnership and collective impact. Together, we are creating opportunities for students and educators to experience agriculture in new ways.
Thank you to our board members, sponsors, educators, and community partners for another successful year of advancing agricultural literacy across Minnesota.