Several northwest Iowa teachers are among the 118 recipients of Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grants awarded this month by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. The program provides up to $200 per project to help educators bring hands-on agricultural learning into classrooms and after‑school programs.
In Buena Vista County, Newell‑Fonda Schools had multiple winners: Julie Sievers, Abby Gruhn, Bradi Sievers, Courtney Darrow, Kayla Wingert, Kyndal Hilgenberg, and Whitney McKeever. Micah Barnes at Storm Lake High School also received funding. Their projects will integrate agriculture into lessons ranging from science and literacy to real‑world applications like greenhouse studies and farm‑to‑fork learning.
In Sac County, Angelic Henningson of Schaller‑Crestland Elementary earned a grant to expand ag‑focused instruction.
In Ida County, Janda Radke and Becky Juelfs of Galva‑Holstein schools were recognized for projects that will help elementary students connect classroom learning to Iowa agriculture.
Cherokee County also saw multiple awards, with Angie Schnepf and Sarah Brady of MMCRU Schools in Marcus, and Terry Towne of River Valley Elementary in Washta, receiving funding for new initiatives.
In Pocahontas County, Kathy Lansink and Megan Bennigsdorf of Laurens‑Marathon Schools earned grants to strengthen ag literacy programs.
Clay County’s Lindsay Pearson of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Spencer was awarded funding, while in Palo Alto County, Emma Fehr of West Bend‑Mallard Schools will use her grant to connect students with Iowa‑grown foods and agricultural practices.
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation says nearly half of this year’s awardees are first‑time recipients, underscoring the program’s role in expanding access to agricultural education.
Executive Director Kelly Foss praised the projects, noting they help students connect science, math, language arts, nutrition, and career exploration to Iowa’s farming heritage.
