Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation is offering $200 grants for projects that make agriculture relevant to students in core subjects. 

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is once again offering Teacher Supplement Grants for educators to create unique learning experiences that connect core subjects with food, farming and the environment.   

Thanks to the support from IALF’s partner organizations, including the Iowa Farm Bur­­eau Feder­ation (IFBF), teachers can receive up to $200 to launch new or enhance existing classroom and after-school projects that build agriculture literacy. 

“The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is proud to partner with IALF and support educators in their classrooms,” said Ronnette Vondrak, IFBF community resources manager. “Agricultural literacy is essential for helping students understand the importance of agriculture in their communities, our state and the world. By supporting educators, we’re helping cultivate curiosity, knowledge and appreciation for the impact agriculture plays in everyday life.”  


Making connections to ag

Grant funds can be used for lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field trips or other interactive projects that make agriculture relevant and engaging for students. 

“Teacher Supplement Grants play a vital role in helping students see the importance of agriculture in their daily lives,” said Kelly Foss, IALF executive director. “In just the last 11 years, more than 106,000 Iowa students have engaged in meaningful agriculture learning experiences because of the creativity and passion of their teachers.” 

Picture above: Foss


Teacher testimonials

Teachers are already seeing the difference these grants make. These mini grants empower educators to integrate interactive and engaging lessons, purchase high-quality resources and give educators creative opportunities to connect students’ everyday learning with the vital role agriculture plays in their lives, helping students build lasting agricultural literacy. 

“The microgreens project gave our 7th graders a chance to explore plant growth, nutrition and sustainability in a hands-on way,” said Jamie Nebelsick of the Spirit Lake Community School District. “Visiting Cherry Lane Farm, planting seeds and even taking grow kits home connected classroom lessons to real agricultural practices. Students walked away with not only an understanding of microgreens but also a greater awareness of how agriculture shapes our food system and our everyday lives.”  

“Our students discovered that agriculture is more than farming; it’s a wide range of careers and skills,” said Sarah Plaht of MFL MarMac High School. “Working together across classes to produce a final product showed them the importance of problem solving, collaboration and quality. This experience opened their eyes to new possibilities for their future and deepened their understanding of the many ways agriculture touches our lives.” 

“Our high school agriculture students loved sharing their knowledge with elementary and middle school special education classes through interactive lessons,” said Tejlor Strope of Missouri Valley High School. 

“From planting herbs to learning how milk is produced and even ‘milking’ cows with rubber gloves, students connected classroom concepts to real agricultural practices. These activities not only sparked excitement but also built agricultural literacy in fun, memorable ways.” 


How to apply

Eligible applicants include preschool through 12th grade teachers, librarians and Homeschool Assistance Programs at Iowa schools. 

Projects must tie into subjects such as science, technology, engineering, math, (STEM), social studies, language arts or 21st century skills, while integrating agriculture topics and concepts into learning.                

Applications are due by Nov. 30. Funded projects should take place between Jan. 13, 2026, and June 7, 2026. 

Educators can apply online or learn more at tinyurl.com/3czzeyz3 or www.iowaagliteracy.org/news.