Free Agricultural Education Program for Schools

Ottawa County MSU Extension and Ottawa County Farm Bureau have teamed together to be able to bring the news of agriculture to Ottawa County schools in fun hands-on lessons.  Agriculture is still an extremely important economic sector within Ottawa County.  Many of our children know little about where and how food is grown, yet each of us use some form of agriculture each day.  Agriculture can be tied into many areas of school curriculum. 

Brenda Raterink is the Program Coordinator for the Ag in the Classroom Program in Ottawa County.  She grew up on a farm and has a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in Agricultural Economics.  Brenda and her husband own and operate a family dairy farm in Zeeland.  She has been involved with educating children about farming for many years. 

Brenda is available to come and talk to school classes at no charge.  There are several types of lessons that fit into the elementary curriculum and meet the Michigan Content Standards.

3^rd – 5^th grade level programs include:

1.     FOOD'S AMAZING JOURNEY (An economic lesson on food's journey from farm to the consumer- very MEAP friendly!)

2.     WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT SEEDS? (A complete seed and plant unit)

3.     DAIRY FARMS AND FOOD PRODUCTS

4.     WATER AND RECYCLYING (A lesson on biodegradable products)

Materials and supplies are provided free for each lesson.  Each session takes between 45-60 minutes.  These lessons are all hands-on activities that children will enjoy doing and are geared for 3^rd – 5^th grade levels. 

There are also programs for grades K-2 available:

1.     HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE (Michigan agriculture – a geography lesson about Michigan foods)

2.     HONEY BEES, CHICKENS AND COWS . . . OH MY! (Understanding animals and products they produce)

For more information or to schedule a classroom visit contact:

LITTLE RED BARN LIBRARY  

This “barn” is filled with a variety of books, activities, puzzles and videos that can be used by an individual teacher.  It also works very well in the school library set up in stations for younger grades or silent reading time for upper grades.  This way, a whole school can utilize the project.  The Little Red Barn is available free of charge.  If you would like the Little Red Barn to visit your classroom or school or if you would like more information, contact:

Ottawa County Farm Bureau

(616) 895-4381

Click here for information on another FREE MSUE program available for classrooms and other youth programs.