Between the Rows
Between the Rows is a monthly newsletter for participating teachers, volunteers, and friends of Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom. 
December 2021
Kelly Reineke just finished teaching her “Ag Fair” unit this past month. Learn more from Kelly on a unique way to incorporate agriculture into your core curriculum!

How and when did you first learn about the Ag in the Classroom Program (AITC)?
I first learned about Ag in the Classroom through e-mail communication. I decided to give it a try and have been part of the program for several years.  

What is your favorite AITC program/resource/event and why?
My favorite part of the Ag in the Classroom Program is the Ag Pen Pal Program. I have participated in this program with multiple grade levels and it always makes a powerful impact on students. Since I teach in Lincoln, most of my students don't live on farms so it's very exciting to bring the farm to them. They love learning about farm animals, equipment, crops, and daily life on the farm. 

Describe an agriculture-based project you have led in your classroom.
At Maxey Elementary, the 4th grade teachers teach a unit called Ag Fair. Students research corn, soybeans, wheat, dairy, pork, or beef. They discover what county in Nebraska their plant or animal is grown. They learn about products and by-products, steps for growing and raising their product, and lots of fun facts along the way. Then, they create a presentation on their commodity and present it to parents, grandparents, family, and friends at an open house. This unit makes agriculture come alive for students and always makes a positive impact on students that last a lifetime. 

What advice would you give other teachers to use agriculture in their classrooms?
Agriculture is important and needs to be taught to students. They need to understand where their food comes from and how important agriculture is to the state of Nebraska. I would strongly encourage teachers to start by signing up to be part of the Ag Pen Pal Program. Then use the wonderful resources by scheduling a Classroom Visit to enhance agriculture to all students. The programs are all tied to state standards and enhance daily learning while making a powerful impact on students of all ages. 
Discover Christmas Trees!
K-2 Lesson Plans Available
Students explore the history of the Christmas tree, explain the life cycle of a conifer, identify types of trees and how they adapt, discover what it’s like to work on a Christmas tree farm, and examine the ecology of conifer trees. 
FFA Chapters – if you have completed Task 2, Read and Donate a Book, please submit your photo by December 15!
Upcoming Tasks
  • Meet with your County Farm Bureau. Deadline: February 28
  • Plan and lead an AITC activity Deadline: April 30
  • Submit a video of your Connecting Chapters experience. Deadline: May 30
Making the Grade: Beef
9-12 Lesson Plan
Students will evaluate the United States Department of Agriculture grading system for whole cuts of beef and discuss consumer preferences and nutritional differences between grain-finished and grass-finished beef. 
Ag Pen Pal Program
Schedule
  • January 30 – Second letter sent by famer/rancher
  • February 28 – Second letter sent by classroom

If either party have not heard from their assigned Ag Pen Pal, please contact Ashley at agpenpal@nefb.org or (402) 421-4747. Reporting a non-responding party at the end of the year does not allow us to help make the connection now. 
Exploring Bushels
4th Grade Social Studies Lesson Plan
Students will compare the number of bushels of wheat, corn, and soybeans produced annually while discussing how technology has affected the specialization of Nebraska’s economy.
Agriculture Reading Hour - Volunteers Needed
In celebration of agriculture in Nebraska, you can read and donate an agriculture themed book to elementary students in Nebraska. Books are provided at no cost to volunteers.

Volunteers will:
  1. Read the book, Barn at Night, to a classroom of their choice. 
  2. Donate the book to the school library or classroom. 
  3. Submit a photo of the book reading experience to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. 
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CONNECT WITH US!
Agriculture in the Classroom® is a program coordinated by the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization and supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In Nebraska, the Agriculture in the Classroom program is managed by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, whose mission is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans.

(402) 421-4747 | 5225 South 16th Street, Lincoln, NE 68512

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