The Allamakee County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom coordinator recently visited third grade classrooms to share the story of how John Deere got his start and the lasting impact of his innovations on agriculture. Students learned how Deere, a blacksmith, developed the first successful steel plow to help farmers work tough Midwestern soil more efficiently. The lesson also introduced students to the roles of producers and consumers, helping them understand how farmers produce goods and how those goods make their way to people in everyday life.

To bring these concepts to life, students participated in a hands-on activity that challenged them to think like problem-solvers. Each student was given a unique scenario along with a set of materials and tasked with fixing or improving the situation. From rebuilding broken equipment to designing solutions for farm challenges, students used creativity and critical thinking to complete their tasks. This interactive experience helped reinforce the importance of innovation, the role of blacksmiths in early agriculture, and the connection between producers and consumers in a fun and engaging way.

A student showcases their creative farmers market stand, built during a hands-on activity about producers and consumers. The project highlighted how farm products make their way from producers to local communities.