The Impact of Agriculture in the Classroom
Agriculture is a major pillar of Saskatchewan’s economy, due to our nutrient dense soil, yet many young people, even in farming communities, don’t fully understand how food makes its way from field to table. Thanks to a program called Agriculture in the Classroom – that’s changing.
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC), a Youth+Us partner, is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to agricultural education. Every year, it inspires more than 70,000 youth in Saskatchewan to gain a deeper understanding of agriculture through hands-on activities, engaging
programs and inquiry-based educational resources.
Introducing students to the realities of agriculture
Another impactful program is the “Little Green Thumbs” initiative, where younger students plant seeds, care for their plants, and watch them grow.
The ripple effect: knowledge beyond the classroom Introducing students to the realities of agriculture Bailie Shindle, a devoted teacher, is passionate about connecting her students with agriculture and our food system using AITC’s resources and programs. One of the most significant impacts Bailey
has witnessed is how AITC helps students—farm kids included—understand the entire food production process.
These programs aren’t just about facts—they’re hands-on, engaging experiences that capture
students’ attention and make complex processes tangible. One of Bailey’s favorite examples is when
AITC came to her school to demonstrate bannock making. “They talked about all of the ingredients
you would need to make bannock, like flour and oil, and where exactly they come from and how
they’re processed.”
This kind of activity doesn’t just show students the steps involved in cooking; it ties the food they eat back to the farmers who produce the raw ingredients and the processes that bring those ingredients to store shelves
Watching them plant and then be able to go and show their buddies what they’ve made and how it’s growing… that has been really awesome to see.
-Bailie
By getting their hands dirty and nurturing their own crops, students gain a sense of ownership and understanding about how food is grown.
Inspiring future careers in agriculture
For many students, AITC’s programs have opened their eyes to the wealth of career opportunities available in agriculture. Whether it’s through attending the annual career fair at Agribition or using AITC’s curriculum to explore different sectors of the agriculture industry, students are exposed to careers they never knew existed.
“They really try to show you the variety of what agriculture offers,” shares Bailie. “I think when we initially think of agriculture, we often just think of a butt in the seat of a tractor. But there’s so much more to agriculture than that.”
The ripple effect: knowledge beyond the classroom
Bailey is quick to point out that the lessons learned in the classroom don’t stay there. Students bring their newfound knowledge home, sharing what they’ve learned with their families and sparking important conversations about food production, sustainability, and farming practices. This ripple
effect benefits the entire community, fostering a greater appreciation for agriculture and the work that goes into feeding the world.
“Especially in Saskatchewan, I think it’s so incredibly important for our kids to build those connections from farm to food,” says Bailie.
Every time that we continue to implement resources like AITC it really helps strengthen our economy with different career choices and to open up what the kids are understanding about where their food is coming from.
-Bailie
