West Des Moines, Iowa – November 5, 2025 – Iowa’s classrooms are alive with innovation as teachers find creative ways to connect students with agriculture, the foundation of our state’s economy and way of life. To celebrate these efforts, the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation is now accepting nominations for its annual Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award. 

This award honors a non-vocational PreK-12 teacher who goes above and beyond to bring agriculture to life in the classroom. Last year’s winner, Kerri Bell of Mid-Prairie East Elementary, helps her second-grade students explore farming, sustainability, and food systems through hands-on lessons and programs like Adopt-a-Farmer. 

The 2025 award recipient will receive up to $1,500 (covering conference and travel-related expenses) to attend the 2026 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Providence, Rhode Island.  

Applications are due December 1, 2025, by 5 p.m. Teachers can apply directly or be nominated by community members, colleagues, or agriculture advocates. All nominated teachers must complete an official application.  

“Agriculture can be the perfect vehicle to teach science, social studies, math, and language arts in a way that connects to students’ lives,” said Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director. “This award shines a spotlight on Iowa’s most creative teachers who inspire students to understand where their food, fiber, and energy come from.”  

Educators who integrate agriculture show students how food production connects to health, energy, the environment, and STEM careers. The Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award highlights these efforts and amplifies the importance of agriculture literacy statewide. 

For nomination forms and applications, visit: https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/tools-resources/general/grants. The Iowa winner will represent our state at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award program. 

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About the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation

IALF serves as a central resource for educators and volunteers who teach Iowa’s students about agriculture. The mission is to educate Iowans, with a focus on youth, regarding the breadth and global significance of agriculture. Iowa is a leading producer of agricultural products that are essential to feed a growing world population, estimated to reach more than 9 billion by 2050. IALF believes it is important for all Iowans to understand the essential role agriculture has in their lives. Through Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) efforts, IALF serves as the state representative for the National AITC Organization and collaborates with the Iowa AITC network including County AITC programs engaging with teachers and students across Iowa’s 99 counties.   

IALF is supported by agricultural literacy friends and partners, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Turkey Federation, GROWMARK, Corteva Agriscience, Iowa Farm Bureau Financial Services, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Egg Council, Midwest Dairy, CHS Foundation, Nutrien, the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization, and others in support of strengthening agriculture literacy among pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and their students.