 Members of the Minnesota delegation at the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Providence, RI.
A delegation of twelve Minnesotans attended the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) Conference in Providence, RI, June 22-25, 2026. This conference is the premier professional development event for pre-K-12 teachers, volunteers, and professionals in agricultural literacy.
Four Minnesota educators received scholarships to attend the NAITCO Conference:
- Marie Kruse, kindergarten teacher at Bluff View Elementary in Lake City, MN, was recognized as a National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award winner.
- Tiffany Kobbermann, Agriculture teacher at Minnewaska Area Middle School in Glenwood, MN, was awarded a Culver's Scholarship.
- Nate Lund, sixth grade teacher at Glacial Hills Elementary School in Starbuck, MN, was awarded a CHS Foundation Scholarship.
- Brianna Havir, STEM Teacher and Coordinator at Heritage E-STEM Middle School in West St. Paul, received the MAITC Educator Advisory Member Scholarship from the MAITC Foundation.
Conference-goers had the opportunity to attend workshops and tours, explore exhibits, and network with other professionals to help them learn more about teaching through an agricultural lens.
This year's conference theme "Illuminating Agriculture," highlighted the ideas, innovations, and connections shaping agricultural literacy. Watch the conference recap video for a glimpse of the event in action.
 If you were not able to join us in Rhode Island for the NAITCO conference, plan to attend the free, virtual NAITCO Conference on Thursday, July 16, 2026!
Keynote speaker, author Lindsay Metcalf, will kick things off at 9:00 a.m. CST. Sessions will then break out into an Elementary and Secondary track.
Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom is excited to offer our Summer Teacher Tour and the first-ever Growing Minds Conference! Registration closed for these events on July 1. If you missed this registration deadline but are interested in attending, please contact Sue Knott at sue.knott@state.mn.us
- Tour Smude Sunflower + Angus Farm and Sprout MN Food Hub
- July 15, 2026
- Little Falls, MN
- Experience interactive breakout sessions, fast-paced mini sessions, and immersive agriculture tours! Tours include:
- Integrated Indigenous Experience - aligns with American Indian History and Culture license renewal category
- Hmongtown Marketplace - aligns with Cultural Competency license renewal category
- Seeds, Science and Beef
- America's Dairy and Berry Land
- Behind the Scenes at Gertens
- July 27-28, 2026
- St. Paul College, St. Paul, MN
   Allow us to provide fun and educational items for your summer events, such as Breakfast on the Farm, County Fairs, and other events that share the story of agriculture. Check out our "Where Does Your Cheeseburger and Pizza Come From?" and "Agriculture is Everywhere" resources. They are 11x17 inches, just the right size to use as placemats or posters. Use our online order form to request what you need.
July Trivia Question: July is National Bison Month! What are the terms used for the following?
- Male bison
- Female bison that has had a calf
- Female bison that has not had a calf
Send your answer to sue.knott@state.mn.us. The first two people to respond with the correct answers will win a MAITC travel mug.
|
