The Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program relies on county volunteers to connect with teachers, classrooms and others to share information about agriculture and the resources available. Since the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program is partially funded through a grant, it is essential to track the impact our volunteers have. If you are a county Ag in the Classroom coordinator, this page contains information to help make your role easier and more efficient as well as forms you will need to complete.
If you have questions about any of the forms or resources, please contact the state coordinator.
Volunteer Assets
April AITC County Coordinator and Volunteer Updates
This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week - THANK YOU for all you do to build awareness of agriculture. The time, talent, and treasure you share to grow student knowledge is greatly appreciated!
As we move steadily into warmer (and drier) weather, mark your calendars for virtual visit opportunities and check out the Top Ten Essay Winners.
Essay Contest State Top Ten Winners and Contest Wrap-Up
The results are in, and the statewide Top Ten Essay Winners and state finalists are...
4th Grade
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Gavin Kaltenberg, St. Boniface, Buffalo County
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Kalvin Schneider, Chilton Area Catholic School, Calumet County
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Jillian Rentmeester, St. Jerome School, Columbia County
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Clio Johnson, Arboretum Elementary – Waunakee, Dane County
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Maddison Doran, Juda School, Green County
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Shelby Kelley, Wonewoc-Center School, Juneau County
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Lauren Haun, St. Paul Ev. Lutheran, Monroe County
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Mark Newborn, Roosevelt Elementary – Janesville, Rock County
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Kensi Hruby Saint Aloysius – Sauk City, Sauk County
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Everly Peissig, Stetsonville Elementary – Medford School District, Taylor County
5th Grade
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Adrianne Killion, Pioneer Elementary School- Green Bay, Brown County
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Robynn Lindner, Chilton Area Catholic School, Calumet County
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Isla Steffes, Rio Elementary School, Columbia County
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Natalya Catterson, Waunakee Intermediate School, Dane County
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Mazie Beyrer, Colfax Elementary, Dunn County
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Nellie Erickson, Home School Student, Juneau County
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Jose Garcia Jr, Samuel Clemens School - Milwaukee Public, Milwaukee County
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Claire Waldner, Rural Virtual Academy – Chequamegon, Price County
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Brody Smith, Whitehall Elementary School, Trempealeau County
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Claire Selle, New London Intermediate, Waupaca County
The state winners are currently being reviewed and will be announced in early May. County coordinators of the Top Ten winners were sent a separate email on Wednesday, April 22 with information on next-steps, prize delivery, and award notification materials. Top Ten Winners will be formally announced in a press release on May 15, 2026, allowing counties time to surprise winners with this exciting news!
April To-Do List:
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Contact your county winners and arrange any award celebrations or recognitions.
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Notify county winners of the State Top Ten Essay Winner results (even if they didn't win).
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Download and customize essay award certificates - find more ideas in the County Coordinator Essay Guide.
2026 Book of the Year Order
Thank you for nominating and voting for the book! This year's book, "Big Farms, Little Farms, is written by Kewaunee County author, Chase Pagel.
WFB is again offering a County Farm Bureau Bulk Book order program. This year will feature a special print of the book with a "Book of the Year" seal printed on the cover and is available exclusively to County Farm Bureaus. County orders are due by June 5, 2026, to receive bulk pricing and the special print of the book.
Apply Now for Funds for Your County AITC Program!
Grant applications due June 12, 2026
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is now accepting proposals for the White-Reinhardt Grant. Applications are open to local and state Farm Bureaus or classroom teachers that work directly with a Farm Bureau.
Register Now for the NEW Growing Minds Conference
July 27–28
Wisconsin and Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom programs are teaming up to offer a new professional development opportunity for teachers and informal educators (Ag in the Classroom volunteers).
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Teacher-led workshops
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Agricultural Tours
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Wisconsin Social Hour!
Read & STEAM Lesson of the Month
Full of Beans
Looking for a meaningful book and activity to share with a classroom or community group? Check out Read & STEAM lessons!
This lesson begins by reading "Full of Beans" followed by a hands-on soil-less soybean-seeding activity.
Where Can I Find More Volunteer Updates and Information?
Find the most up-to-date Wisconsin AITC Volunteer Updates, essay resources, order forms, and more HERE
Bookmark this page for quick access to volunteer and coordinator resources.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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May 6, 2026 - Virtual Author Visit with Mary Lewandowski @ 10 a.m.
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May 21, 2026 – On the Farm with Alice: A Virtual Beef Tour @ 2:00 p.m.
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August 2026 - Summer Book Tour - Central Wisconsin (Registration opening soon!)
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Tuesday, October 6 - Virtual Essay Contest Kick-Off for County Coordinators and Volunteers
Request FREE Resources for Your Next Ag in the Classroom Event!
Make your events and activities memorable with maps, AgBadging Field Guides, Wisconsin Ag Facts, and more! All requests must be submitted 2 weeks in advance to ensure on-time shipping.
