West Des Moines, Iowa – December 5, 2023 – Did you know Iowa is home to ostrich farmers? Iowa students will have a first-hand look at an ostrich farm in Audubon, Iowa through the second in a series of Ag in Action virtual educational and interactive learning events: All About Poultry: Unique Poultry. Hosted by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) in collaboration with Iowa Turkey Federation (ITF), the event on Dec. 8, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. will focus on exploring ostrich production and how farmers care for their animals and provide food and fiber.   

“The goal of our Ag in Action series is to showcase the connection between agriculture and students’ daily lives,” said Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director. “As Iowa educators continually look for new ways to engage their students and strive to make learning relevant, this program offers that.”  

This is the second FarmChat® in this three-part series that spans through January. During the series, FarmChats cover turkey farming, unique poultry, and food safety and preparation. While FarmChats can be used as a standalone resource, the content pairs well with IALF's Gobble Up! student program. The Gobble Up! program contains units with lesson plans and resources for elementary (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12) detailing turkey production and marketing. At the unit’s conclusion, students will have created a turkey product marketing plan that can be submitted into the contest portion of the program.   

Foss added, “Through this FarmChat series and the Gobble Up! Program, IALF provides support and resources to educators as they connect agricultural concepts with their current curriculum.”  

IALF’s FarmChat program brings the farm experience directly into the classroom. With a laptop at the school and a mobile device on the farm, students can connect with and interact with Iowa farmers. This immersive experience allows students to see the daily operations of a working turkey farm and engage in discussions with experienced farmers while conveniently staying within their classroom. Students will learn about the vital role agriculture plays in their lives. A recent similar FarmChat program, Learning about Pigs, garnered attendance by more than 3,000 students in seven states.  

IALF encourages teachers and students in grades 3-12 from all over Iowa to participate in this learning opportunity. Students can join IALF as they virtually tour an ostrich  farm in Audubon, Iowa.    

Event Details 
Title: Ag in Action: All About Poultry FarmChat (Unique Poultry Farming) 
Date: Dec. 8, 2023 
Time: 9:30 a.m. (CST)  

Teachers can go to this link to register for this Ag in Action: All About Poultry event. For more information about the Ag in Action: All About Poultry series visit our website.  

Questions can be directed to Kelly Foss at kfoss@iowaagliteracy.org.   

About the Iowa Turkey Federation 
The Iowa Turkey Federation is a 75-year-old organization that represents, supports and promotes the turkey industry and its members.  

About the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation 
Iowa is the leading producer of agricultural products that are essential to feed a growing world population, estimated to reach more than nine billion by 2050. The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) believes it is important for all Iowans to understand the essential role agriculture has in their lives. Through Agriculture in the Classroom efforts, IALF engages with teachers and students throughout Iowa. IALF is supported by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, GROWMARK, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Turkey Federation, Corteva Agriscience, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Nutrien, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, and others in support of strengthening agriculture literacy among pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and their students. For more information visit IALF online at www.IowaAgLiteracy.org, on Facebook, and on X (formerly known as Twitter).