As the 2024–25 school year closes, Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom (MIAITC) celebrates a banner year for agricultural literacy, thanks in no small part to the commitment and support of Michigan’s farming community.
FARM Science leads the way
This year’s FARM Science program set new records, reaching a combined 12,190 students and 547 teachers across the state. The two FARM Science Labs alone brought hands-on science and agriculture lessons to 8,982 students, earning an A+ for impact and outreach.
The FARM Science Van, which wrapped up its three-year pilot, also received high marks from educators and communities. With 3,208 students and 152 teachers engaged, the mobile van helped plant seeds of curiosity in even more classrooms.
FARM Crates, classroom connections
The FARM Crates program continues to grow in popularity, with 68,350 crates delivered to classrooms statewide, impacting 2,734 teachers. This year, the new Cereal Grains FARM Crate joined the lineup, connecting students to crops many of them eat daily but rarely think about.
Educators praised the relevance and engagement of the crates:
“Students were engaged, and it was a great way to bring agriculture into the classroom and connect to their lives,” said Jeff Sewick, a third-grade teacher at Wacousta Elementary in Clinton County. “Four of my students have chickens at home!”
“I grew up around farmland and love teaching this subject matter,” added Becky Cropsey, a second-grade teacher at Calhoun Christian Elementary. “These are my favorite boxes!”
Outreach beyond the classroom
MIAITC also made significant strides in educator and community outreach, connecting with 2,150 students and 1,806 educators through state and national teacher conferences, Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) events and more. The team’s presence left lasting impressions, helping to ensure agriculture has a seat at the education table.
Educators took note of the growth and innovation:
“This erosion lesson was a great way to simulate erosion and tie it to the context of local agriculture,” said Jessica Krueger, who teaches fourth grade at Rudyard Elementary in Chippewa County. “It was very engaging. My students loved it!”
National recognition for local efforts
In January 2025, the FARM Science Van program received the New Horizon Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national recognition of Michigan’s leadership in innovative agricultural education and outreach.
This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our county Farm Bureaus, volunteers and farmer advocates. Your support ensures that agriculture remains relevant, accessible and inspiring for the next generation.
You help us shine!
We’re proud to share this gold-star report card with the farmers and community leaders who stand beside us. Whether you helped sponsor a lab visit, assembled FARM Crates, or shared your agricultural story, you helped make this year one for the record books.
To learn more about Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom and how you can get involved, visit www.miagclassroom.org. Together, we’re growing something great!
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