We’re happy to provide the following materials (in just about any quantity) to people and organizations in Minnesota who are helping raise the profile of programs and services available to farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture-connected people experiencing stress.
Minnesota educators recently traveled to Orlando, Florida, with Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) for the annual National Ag in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) Conference from June 26-29. The 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, including:
Conferencegoers 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. They also had the chance to attend the keynote addresses from Dr. Gbola Adesogan and Marshal Sewell.
For educators who were unable to attend the in-person conference, NAITCO is holding a virtual version on July 20, 2023. Registration information can be found on NAITCO’s webpage.
MAITC is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the MAITC Foundation that seeks to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education. Visit the MAITC website for more information on future conferences, scholarship opportunities, and free educational resources.
Back row left to right: Evan White, Ann Marie Ward (MAITC Foundation Executive Director and MN Farm Bureau representative), Sue Knott (MAITC education specialist), Tiffany Kobbermann (MN Farm Bureau representative), Marie Kruse. Front row left to right: Jeni Breidenbach, Chantelle Seykora (MN Farm Bureau representative), Haley Madson, Keri Sidle (MAITC education specialist)
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
Producers, landowners, and local partners are invited to attend the Rosholt Research Farm Field Day.
A free meal will be provided.
This educational event will highlight current research trials and practical innovations in soil health and nutrient management.
Presentation topics include:
Funding for the work at Rosholt Farm has been provided by:
Learn about MDA supported Water Quality and Irrigation Research at Rosholt Farm
For more information visit the Pope Soil & Water Conservation District
This event is organized by Pope and Stearns Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Minnesota’s meat processing industry has received a boost from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), which has awarded $350,000 in one-time grants through its Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program.
The MEAT Grant provides the opportunity for Minnesota schools to fund equipment purchases, facility renovation, curriculum development, faculty training, and more processing-related activities at new or established training programs for secondary students. Nine schools received grants through this funding, with a maximum award of $70,000.
“Minnesota’s meat cutting and butchery training programs are vital to the future of our state’s processing industry,” Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “The MDA is pleased to support these nine schools providing new pathways for students to receive more hands-on training experiences and learn about careers in this field.”
A full list of MEAT Grant recipients can be found below. For more information, visit the MDA’s program webpage.
2023 Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Award Recipients
|
School Name |
Project Summary |
Award Total |
|
Ashby Public School |
Partner with West Central Area Schools and West Central Initiative to teach meat processing through the purchase of equipment for a meat processing mobile trailer. |
$41,296.58 |
|
Bertha-Hewitt Schools |
Renovate an existing space to accommodate a walk-in cooler as well as upgraded sinks to allow for proper cleaning of equipment and ensure proper food and student safety. |
$50,000 |
|
Byron High School |
Build upon current programming by developing and adding a meat processing course with local processing partners. |
$27,175.47 |
|
Lac qui Parle Valley High School |
Build a mobile meat processing trailer and collaborate with Ridgewater College to develop a curriculum for meat processing classes. |
$70,000
|
|
Morris Area High School |
Expand the current Ag Processing course to further provide hands-on experiences and in-depth learning about meat cutting and processing, and provide a culinary experience through Family Consumer Sciences classes by preparing the meat in different ways. |
$5,037.80 |
|
Nicollet Public School |
Utilize the National Food Science Safety and Processing Curriculum (CASE) to impact student career readiness in meat science and processing. |
$60,000 |
|
ROCORI Public Schools |
Develop two classes: one focused on meat science and food safety and the second about further processing, safety, and cultural differences. |
$39,527.16 |
|
Sibley East Public Schools |
Update an old Family and Consumer Sciences lab to become a meat cutting lab and develop a pathway in which students will build upon skills every year in grades 8-12, culminating in a work-based capstone. |
$21,962.99 |
|
West Central Area Schools |
Further support the purchase of a meat processing mobile trailer and provide up to 100 hours of hands-on training for one agriculture instructor at a local butcher shop. |
$35,000 |
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
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