MFU education programs get $5K boost from MT Ag in the Classroom Foundation

Montana Farmers Union’s classroom visit educational programming recently received a $5,000 boost, thanks to the Montana Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.  

The grant is part of the foundation’s work to preserve, maintain, and distribute accurate agriculture literacy materials to Montana classrooms and will support the continuation of Montana Farmers Union’s agriculture-based  programs through classrooms, day camps, and summer camp, both for students and teachers.  

“The demand for Montana-relevant agricultural materials continues to grow, and this funding would allow us to accommodate more teachers and students at each camp,” MFU Education Director Jodi Koterba said. “We will also be able to provide hands-on interactive lessons with high quality materials.” 

Each educational program offered by MFU gives students the opportunity for hands-on learning with agriculture lessons that are relevant to participants’ daily lives. In the spring of 2025, MFU visited 16 schools reaching 1,160 students. This year’s schedule included 57 schools, reaching more than 5,200 students. MFU’s ag education extends to adults, as well, with its Ag for Classroom Teachers Camp held for the first time in 2025. The camp offers OPI renewal credits, lesson plans, and supplies, equipping teachers to integrate ag into everyday lessons.   

Learn more about MFU’s educational programs and register for Summer Camp at Arrowpeak at www.montanafarmersunion.com or by contacting Koterba at jkoterba@montanafarmersunion.com.