Minnesota FarmFest Highlights 40 Years of Agricultural Literacy Partnerships

As Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation celebrates 40 years of agricultural literacy, Minnesota FarmFest served as a strong reminder of what has made that work possible: lasting partnerships across Minnesota agriculture.

Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation was proud to join USDA NRCS Minnesota, the Farm Service Agency, Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the Redwood Soil and Water Conservation District for the USDA NRCS Minnesota Conservation Passport at Minnesota FarmFest. Visitors were invited to “punch your ticket at all four stations and win a prize” while learning about soil health, conservation, agriculture, and the resources available to Minnesota producers and families.

For Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, FarmFest provided an opportunity to bring agricultural literacy into a hands-on, family-friendly setting. Executive Director Ann Marie brought plenty of energy to the event, and Sarah Kuschel also represented the Foundation throughout the show.

Partnership in Action

One of the highlights of the event was seeing agriculture and education come together through a simple book reading. Kurt Blomgren with the Farm Service Agency stopped by the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation station to read Soil in Jackie’s Garden with visiting children and families. This reading was shared with permission from the book’s publisher, Feeding Minds Press, who generously allowed the Foundation to video the reading for educational and outreach purposes.

Moments like this are at the heart of agricultural literacy. A book can open the door to conversations about soil, conservation, food, and the many ways agriculture connects to everyday life.

The Conservation Passport was a strong example of what happens when organizations bring their different areas of expertise together. Each partner contributed something unique, but the shared goal remained the same: helping more Minnesotans understand agriculture and the natural resources that support it.

40 Years Made Possible Through Partnership

Reaching 40 years of agricultural literacy would not have been possible without the organizations and associations that have supported Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation throughout its history.

We are especially grateful for the continued support of USDA NRCS Minnesota. Their commitment to conservation, education, and agricultural literacy helps create opportunities for the Foundation to connect students, educators, families, and communities with Minnesota agriculture.

Minnesota FarmFest was another opportunity to see that support in action.

Learn more about our foundation investors: https://maitcfoundation.org/foundation-sponsors/