Michigan takes its Ag in the Classroom game to national stage

Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom (MIAITC), a proud member of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization and supported by the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture, recently took the opportunity to connect Michigan educators with a premier national professional development experience.

From June 24-26, MIAITC took a delegation of 16 educators and Farm Bureau volunteers to Minneapolis for the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. Participants spent the week immersed in Minnesota’s diverse agriculture, toured farms and agribusinesses, and networked with agricultural educators from across the country. They brought back fresh ideas and tools to strengthen agricultural literacy in Michigan’s classrooms and communities.

One highlight of the trip was an all-Michigan dinner, where attendees gathered to share experiences and deepen connections. These moments build lasting relationships that strengthen our efforts to grow agricultural literacy back home.

“Attending NAITC events over the past few summers has been an incredible experience, and the highlight is always reconnecting with the Michigan team,” said St. Clair County Farm Bureau member Katie Blashill, a Port Huron Public Schools teacher and and grant recipient. “Collaborating with passionate colleagues from across the state who are dedicated to increasing agricultural awareness and education — for our students, their families and especially our fellow educators — is both energizing and fun! We have such a great time when we all get together.”

This year’s increased participation was made possible thanks to generous support from county Farm Bureau teacher scholarships, Culver’s, American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture scholarships, and MIAITC Educator of the Year grants. Their investment ensures more educators can experience hands-on learning and return with real-world resources to inspire the next generation.

MIAITC’s mission is to increase agricultural literacy among youth and educators through high-quality programming and professional development. The national conference continues to be a powerful example of how we deliver on that mission.

The 2026 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference takes place June 22-25 in Providence, Rhode Island. To stay in the loop and learn how you or educators in your community can get involved, sign up for the Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom newsletter.