MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR
AG PEN PAL TEACHERS
SEPTEMBER 2017
Welcome to the Ag Pen Pal Program!

We're so happy you've joined. The Ag Pen Pal Program was created 26 years ago, to provide a face in the agriculture community for students to see the daily life of a farmer or rancher. Every year this program matches volunteers to help more than 5,000 students understand and appreciate the agriculture around them. Thank you for volunteering your time to help your students learn more!

You should receive your first letter from your Ag Pen Pal within a week of September 30 . Your classroom will send letters in October, February, and May.
A Note about Your Ag Pen Pal
Farmers and Ranchers come in all shapes and sizes: some have livestock, some have crops, and some have both. Some have thousands of acres while others have one acre. Farmers and ranchers have a choice: a choice to raise what they wish. Give your Ag Pen Pal match a chance to share their story and please ask them questions about their choice! 
How to Get Started - Guidebook
Use this guidebook for tips and ideas on how to begin writing to your farm or ranch pen pal. Remember, real world relationships take time to develop and this one will too. Send photos, create a photo book, or send videos to develop a positive relationship with your farmer or rancher.   
September - National Chicken Month
Do you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or boiled? Celebrate this Nebraska Commodity with the activity, Eggs: From Hen to Home to learn more about the production of eggs beginning on the farm and ending in their home. 
Pair this book with the Activity: The Seed Match to learn more.
Book of the Month:
Tops & Bottoms
By Janet Stevens
Bear and Hare are involved in a gardening project. Hare, the book's main character, tricks his lazy colleagues into sharing crops which only benefit the hard work of the hare. During the process, children learn which foods grow above the ground and which grow below the ground, hence the title - tops and bottoms. This is a great book to introduce gardening topics.
Farm Fact Friday - Follow Us!
Check out our Facebook page for agriculture facts and events. Search, " Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation " and Like us! You'll get updated information about resources available to your classroom.
Becky Koester
Program Associate
(4025) 421-4747
Courtney Schaardt
Director of Outreach Education
(402) 421-4461
5225 S. 16th Street
Lincoln, NE 68512