Over 80,198 AgMags were distributed in the last school year, providing educators with valuable, grade-specific resources for their students. What does this mean? There were over 146,933 (an unduplicated number) students impacted by the AgMags, helping them understand from a young age why agriculture should be valued by all. AgMags promote agricultural literacy among students and foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the food, fuel and fiber system.
What are AgMags?
AgMags are a free resource available to kindergarten through sixth grade students that aim to increase agricultural literacy throughout the state of Minnesota. AgMags provide a unique printed or digital tool for students to engage with beyond their typical textbooks and materials. The magazine features real-life farmers and businesses from across the state, highlighting people and organizations that kids can feel a connection to.
There are free accompanying lesson plans for each issue of AgMag based on Minnesota academic standards and National Ag Literacy Outcomes to allow seamless classroom integration.
Growth of the AgMag
The AgMag has changed over the years. It started as a three times a year magazine for grades fourth through sixth and later added an AgMag Jr with issues twice a year for kindergarten through second. Now the AgMag has grown to provide two, grade specific print and digital issues each spring and fall for grades kindergarten through sixth grade. This growth in grade-specific content stemmed from the direct feedback of educators across Minnesota.
We are proud to share that AgMags increased in distribution by 34% compared to the school year prior. This means that more kids in the state of Minnesota are getting a glimpse of the way that agriculture affects their lives on a daily basis.
How Investors Make a Difference?
Many of our investors share similar vision statements with the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) organization: agriculture is valued by all. Through every program offered under MAITC, agricultural literacy is at its core.
These partnerships have allowed us the opportunity to share about topics that we would not have the chance to otherwise. Sharing their expertise and investing to support production, distribution and the incredible growing requests for this resource, investors make it all possible.
How You Can Help
Partners can connect with local K-6 teachers about the free AgMags and lesson plans available to them, to help spread the word and increase the number of students growing their agricultural literacy.
We are always looking for partners and content experts for a variety of our programing, including AgMags, Farm Camps, virtual field trips and more! As we work together to share the story of agriculture with K-12 students, we need your help. Please reach out with your partnership ideas!