QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION VOLUNTEERS
JANUARY 2019
Ag Pen Pal Schedule

Farm & Ranch Volunteers please send your second letter by January 31!

Your classrooms will send their second letter by February 28.
Connecting Chapters
High school FFA members, please complete Task Two: Plan and Lead an Ag in the Classroom activity prior to May 30, 2019. Once you have completed your activity, complete this form. Be prepared to answer questions about the classroom you visited, the activity you led, and student knowledge of agriculture. You will also be able to share a photo!
County Farm Bureau Leaders and FFA Advisors – have you made a connection?Begin planning your partnership activity together in January. We ask that this activity is completed by August 1.  

If you have not heard from the FFA advisor or County Farm Bureau leader, please contact Courtney Schaardt, courtneys@nefb.org or (402)937-2466, to help facilitate the connection. 
Download Now!
National Agriculture Week is March 10 – 16, 2019. Now is the time to think about what you can share with your classroom during that time to promote agriculture. 

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is sharing these materials on our website:
  • Bookmarks
  • Placemats
  • Activity Ideas
  • Coloring Pages

Engage with your classroom to celebrate Nebraska Agriculture! Use a local printer to print any materials you may need with these free, downloadable files! 
Host a Field Trip!
Are you interested in hosting a student field trip to your farm/ranch to learn more about agriculture? 

If your farm/ranch is in Nebraska and is interested in connecting with a classroom to host a field trip, please contact Courtney Schaardt at courtneys@nefb.org or (402) 937-2466. You will be contacted by Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation if a school nearby is looking to make a connection. 

Inviting students to your farm doesn’t have to be a daunting concept. Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is here as a resource to help. Take these ideas into consideration when planning a field trip.
Welcome Brooke!
Brooke Tempel joins the Foundation team as the Education Specialist. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education. Brooke will be leading presentations at fairs, festivals, and in the classroom. Welcome, Brooke! 
Carolyn Dolezal, fourth grade
St. Peter's Catholic School, Lincoln
Abbey Spaulding , second grade
Fredstrom Elementary, Lincoln
Teachers of the Year
Two teachers have been named Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom’s Teacher of the Year. Each teacher was honored at surprise ceremonies at their schools on Jan. 8.

The award recognizes a teacher for their interest and integrated efforts to teach students about the importance of agriculture. 
These teachers receive:
  • A trip to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Little Rock, AR.
  • A book bundle with twelve books related to agriculture. 
  • $250 cash prize for use in their classroom.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference
Join other young farmers and ranchers from across the state that are gathering in Columbus, Feb. 8-9 at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center to gain valuable insights into agriculture trends, career opportunities, and knowledge on leading issues facing farmers and ranchers in Nebraska

THE CONFERENCE OFFERS:

You'll leave the conference with new ideas, renewed energy, and new friends.
Follow Us on Social Media!
Check out our Facebook page for agricultural facts and events. Search " Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation " and Like us! You'll get updated information about resources available to you.
Jenna Sutterfield
Program Associate
(402) 421-4747
Courtney Schaardt
Director of Outreach Education
(402) 421-4461
5225 S. 16th Street
Lincoln, NE 68512