Program: Max Ag Education
Teacher: Amanda Huettl
Impact: 123 students
Project Overview
With the help of an ND FFA Foundation Ag in the Classroom mini grant, Max FFA launched a multi-dimensional learning project that combined community gardening, food preservation, and peer-to-peer teaching. This effort gave students firsthand experience in growing, processing, and educating others about North Dakota agriculture.
FFA members and students planted, maintained, and harvested a wide variety of crops in their community garden—including potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes, apples, and more. Produce from the garden was distributed through a “Free Pick” model, used in the school lunch program, and shared with the Max Food Pantry. Students also helped manage rental plots for community members and FFA families.
The chapter also launched an agricultural processing unit, where high school students learned how to can and preserve garden produce. Students made apple leather, canned sauerkraut, processed pumpkin, and created other preserved goods using tools purchased through the grant.
Finally, Max FFA continued its longstanding tradition of ag literacy education, with members creating and presenting ag-themed lessons to elementary students in grades K–6. These lessons included hands-on activities and samples made from ag products. Though only two sessions were completed this year due to scheduling conflicts, four are planned for the next school year.
Positives
- Provided students with real-world experience in planting, maintaining, and harvesting produce.
- Strengthened community connections through food donations and rental plots.
- Equipped students with valuable skills in food processing and preservation.
- Sparked curiosity and excitement for agriculture among younger students.
- Increased engagement and ownership from FFA members, especially in teaching and leadership roles.
Findings
The addition of cooking and preservation tools enriched classroom learning and allowed for more creativity in student-led ag literacy activities. Several students expressed excitement about trying new foods and making products themselves. The community garden continues to grow in popularity, with 38 FFA members signed up for summer work and several community members renting plots. Interest remains high in both the garden and ag literacy programs.
Looking Ahead
Max FFA plans to continue expanding its community garden, grow its preservation curriculum, and complete a full four-lesson series with elementary students next year. The tools purchased through this grant will continue to support both high school and elementary programming for years to come.
