Classroom activities connect students with farmers and modern agriculture
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK), together with national and provincial partners, is celebrating the 15th annual Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM) throughout March. The program helps students learn more about agriculture and the people who work in the industry.
Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month is a nationwide initiative that connects students with farmers and agriculture professionals. Through this program, students gain a better understanding of where food comes from and how agriculture influences everyday life. The initiative focuses on making agriculture education interactive, engaging, and meaningful for young learners.
During CALM, volunteers from the agriculture sector visit classrooms and share their experiences. These visits help students learn directly from people who work in farming and food production. The goal is to strengthen awareness of agriculture and encourage students to explore the industry’s importance in communities across Canada.
“This year’s resource encourages students to think critically about how agriculture has changed and why innovation matters,” said Sara Shymko, Executive Director at Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan. “By exploring the past and present of Saskatchewan agriculture, students can better understand the role the industry plays in feeding communities locally and globally.”
In Saskatchewan, this year’s CALM resource includes an interactive timeline activity that allows students to explore how agriculture has changed over time. The activity highlights key historical milestones, important innovations, and events that have shaped modern farming practices.
Students learn about the journey of agriculture from early homesteading and traditional farming tools to today’s advanced technologies and sustainable farming practices. By studying this progress, students can better understand how agriculture continues to evolve to meet the needs of growing populations.
Program leaders emphasize that learning about agricultural innovation is important for young people. Understanding how farming has changed over time helps students recognize the role agriculture plays in providing food and supporting communities both locally and globally.
Volunteers remain an essential part of the program’s success. Farmers and agriculture professionals share their knowledge, allowing students to connect classroom lessons with real-world farming experiences. Their participation helps inspire curiosity about agriculture and encourages students to think about the future of the industry.
This year, AITC-SK successfully matched 161 volunteers with 313 classrooms across Saskatchewan. Through these efforts, approximately 7,250 students are learning about the province’s agricultural history, innovations, and future opportunities.
The program continues to highlight the importance of agriculture education while encouraging young people to understand and appreciate the role farming plays in society.
If you know a young person who is interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, be sure to read the Ag and Food Career Guide from our sister company AgCareers.com.
Photo Credit: AITC-Logo