Our MMCRU 2nd and 4th grade students at the Marcus Elementary were recently paid a visit by Danika Hinkeldey from the Ida Grove Farm Bureau and Siouxland Ag in the Classroom Executive Director along with Karla Prunty, Outreach Assistant from the Cherokee County Farm Bureau.  This month the students learned about the different layers of soil and what they are composed of.  The students in grades 2nd and 4th will get monthly visits from Danika and Karla, who will provide students with information about Ag themed lessons.
 In rural Iowa, we are surrounded by agriculture and its impact on America’s economy every day, yet many children in our region are still unsure of the origin of their food.  It’s uncommon for today’s youth to believe chocolate milk is produced by brown cows or even more surprising-the grocery store.  This growing issue becomes more apparent as each day passes.  Thus SAITC (Siouxland Ag in the Classroom) was created.  A group of individuals who saw the need for increased agriculture education came together to create a non-profit organization to address this issue.
Currently, Siouxland Ag in the Classroom serves 8 counties in northwest Iowa.  Over 300 classrooms consisting of 2nd and 4th graders totaling to over 5000 kids are visited monthly by 4 SAITC educators.  The programming provided by SAITC gives students in the area hands on learning about pigs, corn, soybeans, and so much more and complies with the Iowa Core Standards.  This programming provided by SAITC gives students in the area the opportunity to learn where their food comes from and recognize the vital role agriculture plays in our lives.  These youth are America’s future; we need them to understand the importance of agriculture!