Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Jefferson County Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation hosted a two-day professional development workshop for teachers on July 28th and 29th, bringing together 29 educators from Iowa and Missouri for hands-on agricultural experiences and classroom resources, according to a press release from Jefferson County Farm Bureau’s Hailey Shultz.
The workshop was coordinated by Hailey Shultz of Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Courtney Burkhalter and Abby Dingman of Jefferson County Extension and Outreach, and three staff members and one teacher educator from the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. The goal was to increase agricultural literacy among educators and help them integrate agriculture into state learning standards.
Day One: Agricultural Tours
The first day featured agricultural tours across Van Buren, Jefferson, and Wapello counties.
The group began the day at Jason and Stefany Wells’ dairy farm near Milton, where participants learned how the farm raises feed for its cattle, explored the differences between organic and conventional farming practices, and observed a robotic milking system in operation. Teachers also learned how milk is stored and transported from the farm to consumers and had the opportunity to see dairy cows up close and learn how calves are cared for before entering the milking herd.
The second stop was Milton Creamery, where participants sampled a variety of cheeses and learned about the cheese-making process, including how cheese is sliced, packaged, labeled, and marketed to consumers. The group then enjoyed lunch at the Dutchman’s Store — a first visit for many attendees.
In the afternoon, the group traveled to Bushels and Blooms Farm in Batavia, where owner Rachel Irwin shared the story behind her farmstand and guided teachers through her flower field. Participants learned about planting and harvesting techniques and discussed ways agriculture and floriculture can be incorporated into classroom lessons through field trips, videos, and guest speakers. The stop concluded with time to shop inside the farmstand.
The final tour stop of the day was Cedar Valley Winery in Batavia. Pam Miller and Gerard Muller shared the history of the winery and walked participants through the grape-growing and harvesting process, including wine storage and bottling, before offering samples of several of the winery’s products.
Day Two: Classroom Resources and Presentations
The second day shifted focus to classroom resources and educational presentations.
The morning opened with a presentation by Chrissy Westercamp of Honey War Company, who covered bees, hive management, pollination, and the many products derived from honey production.
Maya Hayslett, 4-H Crop Sciences Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, followed with a variety of soil-related lessons and activities, sharing educational resources and discussing ways teachers can incorporate soil science into their classrooms through hands-on learning opportunities and community partnerships.
Victoria Armstrong, District 9 Field Manager for Iowa Corn, and Kerri Bell, a District 9 Iowa Corn member, served as the final guest speakers. Armstrong highlighted educational resources available through Iowa Corn and explained how field managers can support classroom learning through presentations and activities. Bell, a former elementary teacher, shared examples of agricultural tours and learning experiences she organized throughout her career. Iowa Corn also brought its biofuels trailer, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about renewable fuels and schedule visits for their schools.
Additional presentations included Shultz sharing lessons and activities she uses while teaching in local classrooms, and Dingman highlighting educational resources available through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and 4-H programs. The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation also provided teachers with curriculum materials designed to help integrate agriculture across subject areas.
Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Jefferson County Extension and Outreach thanked all tour hosts, presenters, and partners who contributed to the workshop. “Their support provided teachers with valuable learning experiences that will help students better understand the important role agriculture plays in their everyday lives,” the release stated.
