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Wisconsin Farm Bureau awards Ag in Classroom grants

Eight Wisconsin schools are receiving Ag in the Classroom grants.  A total of four thousand dollars in this round will support innovative core curricula initiatives that incorporate agriculture. 

Beth Schaefer is the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom coordinator.  Schaefer says one of the unique programs funded by the grants is with the SAGES elementary school in Fox Lake. “They’re using their seed money, their grant money to purchase a calf hutch as well as fencing and some of the materials needed to house animals.”

Schaefer says the district is bringing the farm experience to the students, instead of the other way around. “Their rationale was it is really expensive to have field trips right now, you know the cost of fuel, the cost of time, the cost of bus drivers, so they’ve decided they’re going to do reverse field trips and bring animals to school and partner with farms and businesses in their community.”

Grants of up to $500 were also awarded to Waupaca, Mishicot, Slinger, Mineral Point, Blanchardville, Muscoda, Glenwood City, Ladysmith, and Green Bay.

Schaefer tells Brownfield Farm Bureau is excited to support educators who work to grow student achievement while simultaneously introducing students to the skills and jobs needed to produce food and fiber.