On December 11, 2024, Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) Foundation participated in the Prairie Grains Conference, hosted at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND. This event brought together agricultural professionals, researchers, educators and advocates for agriculture, creating a vibrant platform for advancing agricultural literacy.
Purpose and Engagement
The MAITC Foundation, led by Resource Specialist Sarah Kuschel at the event, set up an engaging booth to connect with attendees interested in promoting agricultural literacy. Visitors stopped by to explore MAITC’s resources and learn how they can bring agricultural literacy into their schools and communities. The event was also an excellent opportunity to deepen relationships with existing supporters and build new connections with partners and donors.
Sarah shared, "It’s always inspiring to hear firsthand how our resources are helping educators connect with students or how agricultural professionals are using our tools to reach their clients and consumers. These conversations reinforce the importance of our mission and the collective effort needed to enhance agricultural literacy."
Collaborative Highlights
MAITC was joined by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and had the chance to connect with a National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) representative. The NRCS representative expressed enthusiasm about utilizing MAITC's resources in their outreach efforts, showcasing the collaborative spirit that underscores the agricultural education community.
Key Interactions and Insights
Throughout the day, the MAITC booth received visits from a diverse group of attendees:
- Supportive Donors: Six groups of donors stopped by to express their appreciation for MAITC's ongoing impact.
- School Board Members: Three school board members explored how MAITC resources could enhance their district's educational offerings.
- FFA Members: FFA members from two different chapters were enthusiastic about incorporating agricultural literacy into their programs.
- Industry Leaders: Notable figures like Commissioner Peterson and Paul Hugunin from MDA also made time to visit the booth.
- Farmers and Families: Fifteen farmers stopped by to share their thoughts and learn more, and one participant noted, “These are some great resources that I would love to take home and send back with my grandchildren after Christmas so they can get their classrooms signed up for AgMags in the coming year.”
Impact and Outreach
The Prairie Grains Conference was a reminder of the critical role MAITC plays in bridging the gap between agriculture and education. While a precise impact calculation is challenging, the connections made and feedback received demonstrate a significant influence:
- Donors reaffirmed their commitment to supporting agricultural literacy.
- Educators and school leaders were equipped with tools to inspire students.
- Agricultural professionals found new ways to engage their communities.
Looking Ahead
As MAITC continues its mission, events like the Prairie Grains Conference are vital to growing the reach and effectiveness of agricultural literacy. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many passionate individuals and organizations, and we look forward to seeing the seeds planted at this conference flourish in classrooms and communities across Minnesota.
For more information about the Prairie Grains Conference, visit their website: Prairie Grains Conference.
Together, we are cultivating agricultural literacy and preparing the next generation to understand and value the vital role of agriculture in their lives!