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Haley Madson, a first-grade teacher at St. Anne’s School in Le Sueur, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) Outstanding Teacher Award. This annual award recognizes teachers for their creative efforts to integrate agriculture into their classrooms to increase agricultural literacy.

Madson is an advocate for agricultural education at St. Anne’s and uses her lessons to inspire students to think about how deeply agriculture impacts their lives from a young age.

“I want my students to realize that when learning about agriculture, they will be using reading, math, social studies, and science skills,” she says. “There is a connection between agriculture and animals, the economy, the environment, technology, and overall way of life. It is important to give students opportunities to explore those connections starting in elementary school.”

Madson will receive a $500 stipend and have up to $1,500 of her related expenses paid to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom (NAITC) Conference this June in Orlando, Florida.

All Minnesota licensed K-12 educators who creatively integrate agricultural concepts into non-agricultural education classroom settings are eligible for the Outstanding Teacher Award. Applications are reviewed by a committee of MAITC Foundation board members, who select the recipient each winter.

MAITC is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the MAITC Foundation that seeks to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education. Visit the MAITC website for more information and free educational resources.

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Media Contact 
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid consuming any flavor of Wonky Weeds brand delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) syrup due to product contamination with mold. During a recent inspection, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy identified mold growth in the THC syrup products. Customers who purchased these products should discard them and not use them. No illnesses associated with mold contamination in these products have been reported at this time in Minnesota.

All Wonky Weeds brand delta-9 THC syrups made by Wonky Confections/Northland Vapors are affected by this advisory. Products were distributed in Minnesota and nationally through internet and retail sales. Product flavors include grape, cherry, blue razz, and pineapple.

Certain mold strains are dangerous because they cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in susceptible populations. Some mold produces poisonous mycotoxins and aflatoxins that can make people sick. Acute symptoms from mold exposure can vary and may include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, skin irritation, respiratory issues, or itchy eyes, nose, or throat.

Contact your health care provider if you have become ill after consuming Wonky Weeds delta-9 THC syrup. Report any adverse events with these products or any other cannabis-derived products to the FDA via MedWatch.

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Media Contact

Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
Email: larry.schumacher@state.mn.us
Phone: 651-201-6629