News
Minnesota Ag in Classroom director retiring
The retiring director of Minnesota’s Ag in the Classroom says a lot has changed in 30 years.
Al Withers initiated the program in 1985.
“You had the farm crisis of the 80’s (and) people were exiting agriculture. Now there’s a whole new renaissance in terms of everybody wanting to know where their food comes from, and great career opportunities.”
He tells Brownfield many teachers today are disconnected from the farm.
“So our job is to really help them understand a little content of agriculture. Then, how can they integrate it into their studies; whether it be science, social studies, language arts, what have you.”
Withers says even though Ag in the Classroom has been offered in Minnesota for 30 years, there are still challenges.
“People still don’t really think they need to know that much, if you understand what I’m saying. But on the flipside there are people that think they know it all and yet have never been part of agriculture.”
Withers was recognized for his service at the Minnesota Farmers Union annual convention last weekend.
I’m Jody Isaackson, news editor for Tri-County News and Wabasso Standard. I’m looking for a photo of Mr. Withers I can use in both papers with the PSA stories I’ve been receiving about him. If I may use the one on this page, I would kindly ask that you email me the name of the woman in the picture with him and where and when was the photo taken. Please resond before noon on Monday, Dec. 7. Thanks!