Spring is a busy time for Minnesota educators and for Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC). Classrooms across the state are taking advantage of the season to explore real-world connections to agriculture through hands-on activities, garden visits, and farm-based learning.
With support from MAITC, teachers are bringing agriculture into core subjects using free, standards-aligned lessons from the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix. Whether it's planting a school garden, studying soil science, or exploring food systems, spring offers powerful opportunities to make learning meaningful and connected.
A Look at Spring in Action: 5th Grade Ag Day Farm Camp Experience
One example of spring learning through agriculture is the 2025 Redwood, Renville and Brown Counties 5th Grade Ag Day. More than 340 students from area schools spent the day rotating through interactive stations on ag technology, safety, local food, and equipment, along with visits to farms featuring cattle, pigs, alpacas, sheep, and industrial hemp production. The experience reinforced classroom learning with real-life context and gave students a broader understanding of how agriculture touches their lives.
Ag Day highlights one way agriculture can enhance classroom learning. MAITC offers many ways to build on this momentum throughout the year, including customizable Farm Camp experiences.
Keep Agricultural Literacy Growing
Spring is a natural time to spark student curiosity and build connections to agriculture. Whether through classroom lessons, garden projects, or on-farm learning, these experiences lay the groundwork for lifelong agricultural literacy. As the school year winds down, it’s also the perfect time to look ahead.
To continue the momentum, we invite you to:
- Sign up for a Farm Camp experience this summer or fall by contacting our Farm Camp Director.
- Have questions or are you ready to plan something else? Contact us, and a Resource Specialist or Education Specialist will reach out with the support and resources you need.
Let’s keep growing agricultural literacy, this spring and beyond.
