Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation

Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation MAITC Foundation raises and manages private sector funds to fulfill MAITC program needs.

Every lasting organization begins with people willing to believe in its potential before the full impact can be seen.MAI...
09/02/2026

Every lasting organization begins with people willing to believe in its potential before the full impact can be seen.

MAITC’s founding board members shared their time, leadership and belief in agricultural literacy to help establish a program that would grow for four decades.

We honor Jim Hield, Dan Gunderson, Dr. Bruce Dalgaard, Dr. Rollin Dennistoun, Allen Ge**er, Dennis Jackson, Jim Kemp, Rollie Lake, Dr. Richard Sauer, Nan Skelton, Dave Sorensen, Bey Lee Degriesles and Al Withers for helping plant the seeds of MAITC.

Did you know Minnesota soybeans are powering eco-friendly innovations far beyond the field? From biodiesel and livestock...
09/01/2026

Did you know Minnesota soybeans are powering eco-friendly innovations far beyond the field? From biodiesel and livestock feed to soy-based asphalt and roof rejuvenators that keep tons of waste out of landfills, soybean checkoff research is constantly finding new ways to use soy.

As a Generations Club investor, the MN Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSRPC) helps us share these real-world STEM connections and potential careers with students. By teaching kids that agriculture is full of technology, science, and innovation, MSRPC is helping inspire the next generation of problem solvers.

Learn more about the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and our full community of Foundation investors in the comments.

08/27/2026

Ever wonder what really goes into raising a crop? It takes a lot more than just seeds, soil, and sunshine.

In a recent video from Minnesota Corn, a young local farmer gives an honest look at the real business behind the farm. From managing input costs and tight profit margins to balancing off-farm jobs and exploring niche markets like organic, his story shows just how versatile modern producers have to be.

This is exactly why agricultural literacy matters so much. When students learn the true financial reality and dedication behind farming, they gain a real understanding of what it takes to keep our communities fed and growing.

We are thankful for Minnesota Corn’s support as a Foundation investor. Partners like them make it possible for us to bring these authentic farm stories directly into Minnesota classrooms!

Watch the full video on Minnesota Corn's page to hear his story.

08/26/2026

When our Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation investors support agricultural literacy, they do more than invest. They roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Earlier this summer, more than 100 hands-on soil kits were prepared for educators attending the Growing Minds Conference. Minnesota NRCS (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) staff collected soil samples from across Minnesota and Wisconsin, and Compeer Financial employees packed the kits at their annual conference. Thanks to this collaborative partnership, teachers headed home equipped with real soil samples, lesson plans, and books to bring soil science directly to their students this school year.

We are so grateful for Compeer Financial and Minnesota NRCS' year-round commitment to the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and our state's educators!

Check the comment section below to learn more about our Foundation investors!

In the late 1980s, Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom officially began planting the seeds of agricultural literacy s...
08/25/2026

In the late 1980s, Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom officially began planting the seeds of agricultural literacy statewide.

Here is a look back at two foundational milestones from our very first decade:

1986: A Vision Takes Root — The program launched as a collaborative partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and industry leaders to help students understand agriculture's vital role. To bring farm stories directly into schools, the first Minnesota Agriculture Magazine was published.

1988: Teamwork Award — Executive Director Al Withers received the Governor's Teamwork Award from Governor Rudy Perpich, celebrating the power of public-private collaboration in achieving shared educational goals.

From our first student magazine to early statewide recognition, the 1980s laid the groundwork for 40 years of agricultural education. Check the comments below to read the full story of our founding years!

As one of our Generations Club investors, the MN Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSRPC) plays a vital role in help...
08/21/2026

As one of our Generations Club investors, the MN Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSRPC) plays a vital role in helping us bring hands-on agricultural education to students across the state.

At Minnesota FarmFest, MSRPC brought that mission to life with an interactive trivia wheel. Visitors of all ages tested their ag knowledge and discovered how Minnesota soybeans go far beyond the field—powering everything from livestock feed and biofuel to unexpected everyday innovations like shoe soles and asphalt.

By highlighting the real-world versatility of soy, MSRPC helps connect consumers to the hard work of Minnesota farm families. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and investment in agricultural literacy!

Read more in the comments.

08/19/2026

Executive Director Ann Marie Ward shared a quick look at the stickers brought by Northarvest Bean Growers Association to the Growing Minds Conference!

Creative materials like these give educators fun, engaging ways to connect students with Minnesota agriculture.

Thank you, Northarvest Bean Growers, for bringing great resources to our teachers and supporting agricultural literacy in the classroom!

Earlier this summer, we celebrated 40 years of Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom.Over the next several months, we w...
08/18/2026

Earlier this summer, we celebrated 40 years of Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom.

Over the next several months, we will continue sharing the story of how MAITC grew from an idea into a statewide effort connecting students with agriculture.

For four decades, educators, investors, agricultural organizations and community partners have helped students understand how agriculture connects to their food, clothing, communities, careers, environment and everyday lives.

Follow along each Wednesday as we look back on 40 years of increasing agricultural literacy through K-12 education.

Celebrating 40 years of agricultural literacy at Minnesota FarmFest! We were proud to team up with USDA Natural Resource...
08/17/2026

Celebrating 40 years of agricultural literacy at Minnesota FarmFest! We were proud to team up with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (Minnesota NRCS), the USDA Farm Service Agency, Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and Redwood Soil & Water Conservation District for the Conservation Passport.

A highlight of the event was USDA Farm Service Agency Minnesota State Executive Director Kurt Blomgren reading "The Soil in Jackie’s Garden" to visiting families. This reading was shared with permission from the book’s publisher, Feeding Minds Press, who generously allowed the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation to video the reading for educational and outreach purposes.

Read the full event recap via the link in the comments below.

Some evenings stay with you long after the lights go down.To celebrate 40 years of the Minnesota Agriculture in the Clas...
08/13/2026

Some evenings stay with you long after the lights go down.

To celebrate 40 years of the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation surrounded by the very people who built this movement was nothing short of unforgettable. To every donor, investor, board member, staff member, and partner who has carried our mission across four decades: thank you.

A special thank you to those who gathered with us to honor this milestone: Minnesota Corn, Compeer Financial, Midwest Dairy, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (MN NRCS), Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, and our first Executive Director, Al Withers.

Here is to 40 years of memories, and the community guiding our future.

Read more about our special night on our blog: [https://maitcfoundation.org/stories/a-night-to-remember-celebrating-the-people-behind-minnesota-agriculture-in-the-classroom-foundation/]

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P. O. Box 553
Luverne, MN
56156

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+12185561436

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