The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation is offering a grant program to raise agricultural awareness and knowledge among people of all ages.

The Agriculture Literacy Challenge encourages county Farm Bureaus, Extension agencies, Soil and Water Conservation districts, FFA chapters, 4-H clubs and others to develop educational outreach efforts for those who aren’t familiar with agriculture. Five grants will be awarded for up to $1,000.

Some ideas include educating elementary school students about where their food comes from or teaching adults about the vast industry of agriculture. Activities might include FarmChat® (connecting audiences to farms via a platform like Skype).

Activities and events should use at least one lesson plan, kit, book, publication or other lending library item from the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation.

The lesson plans, activity kits, books, publications, games and teaching resources are available online at www.IowaAgLiteracy.org.

Applications must be submitted on or before midnight central time Sunday, April 1. Projects or events must take place between April 1 and Oct. 31.

For more information and to submit an application online, please visit: https://app.wizehive.com/appform/login/IALFchallengegrant2018.

Ag educator awards

Also, the Iowa Council on Agricultural Education is seeking nominees for its excellence in agriculture education award. The award recognizes school agriculture education programs that are doing exemplary work in the areas of program promotion and marketing, agriculture career awareness, integration of science, adult education and curriculum review and revision.

One winner will be selected in each of the award areas, and an overall winner will also be recognized at the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference at Iowa State University in Ames on April 22-24.

The award nomination form can be completed by students, alumni, parents, administrators or other supporters of a local agriculture education program.

The nomination form can be completed online at https://form.jotform.com/wfett/award-excellence-in-ag-2018. Applications are due March 1.