BY: John Gaudes, communications manager for Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba
As a new school year kicks off in Manitoba, pulse and soybean growers are helping fuel a rising interest in agriculture education. Thanks to their contributions, students across the province are becoming more curious about where their food comes from and how it’s grown.
Led by Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M), more educators are incorporating agriculture into their lessons. Students, both urban and rural, are exploring farming through field trips, virtual farm tours, and resources that highlight the vital role of agriculture in their daily lives.
Pulse and soybean producers have been key partners in this movement. Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG) haven’t only provided funding for vital resources like the Manitoba Seed Kit and Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture but are also working alongside AITC-M to introduce new pulse-themed learning kits.
This collaboration will see the refresh of the popular Sprout Head activity kit for Grades 1 to 6 later this school year. With this resource, students will have the chance to grow their own pea microgreens while learning about plant nutrients, root care and the protein content of pulses. The best part? Once the microgreens are fully grown, students can harvest and enjoy what they’ve cultivated, making learning hands-on and delicious.
Katharine Cherewyk, executive director of AITC-M, emphasizes how these early learning opportunities set students on a path toward a deeper understanding of agriculture.
“Early and middle years resources like Sprout Head introduce students to agricultural processes. As they move through high school, they start exploring a wide range of career options, and that includes roles in the agriculture sector.”
Cherewyk adds, “We want every Manitoba student to leave high school knowing the opportunities in the agriculture and food industries. And for today’s producers, it’s important to realize that resources like this help inspire and guide the future workforce – the next generation of farmers, engineers and technicians.”
MPSG’s support has also extended to AITC-M’s virtual farm tour series, including Follow the Soybean Farmer. This spring, over 500 students in Grades 3 to 5 got a firsthand look at soybean farming when Lyle Peters of Henervic Farms walked them through planting, crop care and harvest. The experience didn’t stop there – students did a hands-on activity making bioplastics from soybean oil, connecting agriculture to innovation.
Farm tours like Follow the Soybean Farmer do more than engage students; they help dispel myths about agriculture among the public. With over 2,300 views to date, this video has been viewed not only in Canada but also in the United States and India. The video series overall has amassed more than 60,000 views, reaching audiences in over 20 countries.
Cherewyk is proud of the widespread impact.
“These tours bring students closer to the farm and provide clear, accurate information about Manitoba food production. Our goal is to educate beyond the classroom, ensuring both students and the public understand the realities of modern agriculture.”
These successes wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships. AITC-M welcomes producers, industry professionals and community members to join their mission by volunteering, advocating or donating to support agriculture education.
“Support from the agriculture community is vital,” says Cherewyk. “Whether it’s through donations, volunteering or speaking up for agriculture education, every contribution helps expand our reach.”
Producers and those in the pulse and soybean value chain can get involved by visiting www.aitc.mb.ca.