More than 500 educators from across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands recently gathered in Providence, Rhode Island, for the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. Through hands-on learning, professional development and real-world experiences, teachers gained new tools to increase agricultural literacy among their students, helping them better understand where their food, fiber and fuel come from.
Michigan was well represented during the conference, with a 12-member delegation including teachers from both rural and urban communities across the state: Katie Blashill, Kristen Bisard, Katie Courtade, Taryn Eva, Candi Fentress, Ann Gallagher, Morgan Prescott and Kelli Rau.
Representing MFB’s Promotion and Education Committee alongside me were members Erika Schunk of Clare County, and Wayne County’s Kim Graham.
The conference kicked off with a series of tours featuring local agriculture and agricultural businesses. The first stop on my tour was City Farm in Providence, where we learned how community-based agriculture supports local food access, education and sustainable growing practices in an urban setting. The visit demonstrated how agriculture can thrive in cities while strengthening local communities and increasing access to fresh, healthy food.
Next, we visited the North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery, where we saw firsthand how native fish species are propagated and managed to support conservation, recreation and healthy ecosystems. The experience highlighted the many connections between agriculture, natural resources and environmental sustainability.
The conference featured more than 80 breakout sessions, giving us the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of agriculture and related topics. Some highlights for me included learning how pigments derived from agricultural products can be used to create artwork while exploring the science behind the process; discovering how the growing trend of dirty sodas and mocktails can be used to teach students about local agricultural commodities; and finding ways to incorporate authentic agriculture-themed books into classrooms and libraries to help students better understand where their food and other everyday products come from.
The conference also celebrated outstanding educators making a difference in agricultural literacy. Our 2025 Educator of the Year, Kelli Rau, was recognized for her dedication to helping her students understand the importance of farming and food production. Kelli teaches at Whittemore-Prescott Elementary School.
The conference highlighted the importance of agricultural education in helping students understand where their food comes from and how agriculture affects their daily lives. Michigan participants returned home with new ideas, resources, and activities to help increase agricultural literacy in classrooms across the state.
Isabella County dairy farmer Joyce Neyer represents District 8 on MFB’s State Promotion & Education Committee.
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