LINCOLN, Neb. — The Ag Pen Pal Program connects farmers and ranchers with classrooms to help students understand where their food, fiber, and fuel comes from. This link creates a personal connection between the classroom and a volunteer in the agriculture community.
Volunteers come from across the Nebraska agriculture community and classroom participants come from across the state as well and can be urban or rural. Topics discussed in the letters relate to natural resources, seasons, nutrition, communities, the environment, weather, and the culture of rural Nebraska.
Each year the Ag Pen Pal Program matches volunteers to help more than 5,000 students understand and appreciate the agriculture around them.
Why do participants participate?
It’s Easy
The commitment is just three letters during the school year spread across the fall, winter, and spring. This is a low time, high impact opportunity!
It’s Fun
The questions asked and received will make your day! Many students share photos, artwork, and about me information while farmers and ranchers share photos, videos, and seed and fiber samples.
It Makes a Difference
The Ag Pen Pal Program provides a personal connection to someone within the agriculture community and supplements learning by aligning with Nebraska State Language Arts Standards.
The Ag Pen Pal Program begins each year on September 1 and the volunteer sends the first letter by September 30. Sign up for the program opens on April 1 and closes August 10.
If you have questions about the Ag Pen Pal Program, please contact Ashley McClinton at agpenpal@nefb.org or (402) 421-4747.
— Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation