Alice in Dairyland and Agriculture in the Classroom Partner to Share Importance of Wisconsin Specialty Crops

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's (DATCP) Alice in Dairyland program is partnering with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's Ag in the Classroom program to promote specialty crops in classrooms across the state. Utilizing a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the partnership aims to breathe new life into specialty crop lessons and educational materials.

Wisconsin ranks in the top four in the nation for the production of a wide range of specialty crops, including cranberries, ginseng, potatoes, carrots, green peas, maple syrup, Christmas tree and tart cherries. Other specialty crops produced in the state include honey, apples, mint, celery, and lavender.

The Expedition Agriculture lesson will take 4th grade students on a journey across Wisconsin through a presentation that explores each region's unique agriculture industry and its role in the state's history, economy and communities. The presentation includes an overview of Wisconsin agriculture and concludes with a fast-paced, fun game that will introduce students to thirteen of Wisconsin's biggest agriculture products. Classrooms will receive additional activity materials to support a hands-on exploration of five additional agriculture products.

Schools interested in participating or more information should visit www.aliceindairyland.com/expedition-agriculture. Presentations are limited to 100 students, but multiple presentations at the same school may be requested. Presentations will be accommodated based on the availability of Alice in Dairyland.

Lessons and resources have been developed by Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom to enhance the impact of Alice in Dairyland's school visits. Resources will be made available to educators and volunteers on the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom website.