I grew up in South Central Illinois where agriculture was a part of my life and a part of our school culture. Working in suburban schools, I have come to realize the enormous disconnect between students (and staff) and agriculture. When asked where their food comes from, students respond with 'the grocery story'. I have worked hard, along with my staff, to teach kids about all aspects of agriculture from planting to livestock to the engineering behind it all. The MN Agriculture in the Classroom Program has helped me raise awareness within our students and staff through the magazines (AgMags) as well as the funding opportunities with the grants.

What advice do you have for other teachers on implementing agriculture into their classroom/program?

Students need to be know where their food comes. These are the people that will be making decisions for agriculture and how our food is and is not grown. If we 'grow' a nation that does not have this awareness, what decisions will they make? 

I also recommend getting your hands dirty and teaching kids how to plant and raise their own food. It can be the most powerful of experiences...for you and them!

Ms. Rickenberg's Outstanding Agriculture Applications!

This past National Agriculture Day, we were fortunate to have the Commissioner come to our school to talk with our 2nd and 5th grade students about what agriculture is and what it is not as well as how engineering has radically influenced change within agriculture. As a new school, we are in the midst of creating outdoor learning spaces and designing gardens. Our 2nd and 3rd grade students have been planting vegetables and native prairie plants which will eventually end up in raised bed vegetable gardens and prairie patches outside.

Ms. Cara Rieckenberg shares her enthusiasm for agriculture!