Ag in Action
An educational outdoor event for students in grades 4-8
Students in underserved communities have limited exposure to agriculture, farmers, and farming and often face food insecurity. The Ag in Action event's mission is to present the tenets of nature, health, resilience, ecology, and sustainable practices so youth can be aware of the opportunities in agriculture and see a future in the industry.
Ag in Action is held annually in the historic Sibley Park in Mankato, MN. Students will get hands-on learning opportunities through exhibitions and interactive activities while learning about:
- where food comes from,
- how it travels from the farm to our tables,
- sustainable agricultural practices,
- career opportunities in the agribusiness sector,
- nutrition and leading a healthy lifestyle, and
- Indigenous presence and practices on these lands from hundreds of years ago.
'Come & Tour' style event is open to local school districts. Time needed to experience the event is 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Minnesota State University, Mankato College of Business student leaders coordinate and host this annual event.
What to expect:
- Typically held the last week of April
- Educational food and ag focused exhibits, a walking tour, and an experience with animals
- A special welcome from Minnesota State's own Maverick mascot, Stomper!
- Snacks and water
- Transportation grants are available for group needs
- Full restroom facilities onsite
- Large covered areas in case of inclement weather
- Bus/van/auto drop-off and free parking immediately adjacent to the event site
What is Ag in Action
Minnesota State University, Mankato and three non-profit partners were recently awarded a $224,744 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to increase food, gardening and nutrition education for youth in underserved communities.
Over the next two years, Minnesota State Mankato will collaborate with the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches’ Minnesota Venture Farms; MY Place Mankato; and Model Citizen Farm in Paynesville, Minnesota, on a project called Ag in Action.
The partners will provide farm tours, summer gardening programs and work with college students to increase knowledge on career pathways and greater connections between the farm and the food people eat, targeting students of color and communities where exposure to agriculture may be limited.
