The Yellow Medicine County Corn and Soybean Growers Board understands the vital role agriculture plays in rural communities and is committed to educating the next generation. That’s why they prioritize participating in the two-day Yellow Medicine County Ag in the Classroom event, where interactive sessions help students explore agriculture and its impact on their daily lives.

During the event, board members led the soybean-focused educational session, introducing students to the many products derived from soybeans, including soap, hand sanitizer, printer ink and biodiesel. To bring the lesson to life, each student was given a soybean to take home and grow, allowing them to experience what it means to be a soybean farmer. Additionally, the board generously donated T-shirts to the participating students.

“I think fourth grade is a great age to start talking to kids about agriculture,” said Carl Louwagie, organizer of Yellow Medicine County Ag in the Classroom and a Yellow Medicine Corn and Soybean Growers Board member. “It’s a good introduction point to get them interested, especially since we’re out here in rural Minnesota.”

This year’s Ag in the Classroom event featured nine different educational stations, each covering various aspects of agriculture. A total of 357 fourth grade students from public, private and home schools around the community took part, expanding their understanding of farming and its relevance to their everyday lives.

Board members emphasized the importance of agricultural education, especially for students who may not have direct connections to farming.

“One of the reasons that I like doing it is just for the kids to learn. I mean, it’s just amazing how many kids, even in an ag community, are not connected to the farm like we think they are,” said Board Director Josh Peterson.

Board member Craig Listul echoed the sentiment.

“Everything they touch has got some sort of soy or corn or any kind of agricultural relation,” he said.