Partnership Highlight!

Networking and collaboration are important for all of us. Working with others who have similar goals can be beneficial to both parties! We have worked with many great organizations throughout the year but today we are highlighting our continued partnerships.

Each spring, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach-Linn County & Linn County Farm Bureau partner to offer a unique, up-close agriculture experience to kindergarten & first grade classrooms in Linn County. Two rounds are offered from March to May. Classrooms are provided a kit that includes materials to incubate 7 fertile chicken eggs. The program runs for four weeks & includes virtual resources, support for teachers, & curriculum with cross-curricular activities, lessons, books, games, & resources. Students explore the poultry industry & identify the basic needs of a growing chick during the incubation period.

Linn County Farm Bureau is honored to assist with the Linn County Ag in the Park event hosted by the local FFA chapters each year. Students experience animals, participate in hands-on activities, observe farm equipment, and listen to short presentations on topics such as safety, plants, soil and water conservation, pets, and beekeeping. STEM topics related to agriculture are emphasized. @LinnAgInThePark

Agriculture in the Classroom was created in the early 1980s to re-integrate agriculture knowledge through education programs starting first with our youngest students and continuing through high school. It is a privilege to work with other AITC coordinators around the state! Many of us partner to offer teacher workshops, FarmChats, publications, STEM kits and much more. We might be in different locations, but it feels like a team effort.

IALF serves as a central resource for educators and volunteers who want to teach Iowa’s students about agriculture. IALF is a great partner for ag resources, lessons, professional development, and networking. Buchanan, Linn and Delaware Counties partner with IALF to host teacher professional development opportunities in our local area.

There are so many benefits of great partnerships including collaborating on Ideas, sharing the workload, and expanding reach. We express gratitude to all we have collaborated with as we work towards our mission!