The Ag Pen Pal Program educates students about where their food, fiber and fuel comes from by creating a personal connection between a farmer and/or rancher. This is done by linking classrooms with farm and ranch volunteers.
These volunteers come from across the Nebraska agriculture community and maintain a connection with their assigned classroom throughout the school year. Classroom participants come from across the state as well and can be urban or rural.
To Participate
Farmers and ranchers that would like to participate must commit to having contact with their assigned classroom at least three times during the school year: fall, winter and spring. This can be done through letters, emails, classroom visits, or video chats.
Some farm and ranch volunteers that participate in the program:
- Send photos and videos of their farm or ranch
- Send seed and fiber samples of what is grown on their farm or ranch
- Visit their classroom.
Current Farm and Ranch Volunteers
We’re so happy you’ve joined. The Ag Pen Pal Program was created 28 years ago, to provide a face in the agriculture community for students to see the daily life of a farmer or rancher. Every year this program matches volunteers to help more than 5,000 students understand and appreciate the agriculture around them. Thank you for volunteering your time to help your students learn more! See below for resources to help build your relationship with your farm or ranch volunteer.
Evaluation
Ag Pen Pal farm and ranch volunteers, please share comments about the 2018-2019 Ag Pen Pal Program. All feedback is welcome and will help us to improve the program. In addition, stories are an important tool for education and fundraising efforts. The evaluation provides a space to share stories. This information helps us reflect on our work, demonstrate the difference made in people’s lives, generate support, and build a greater understanding of our programs to the public.
Handbook
Use this guidebook for tips and ideas of how to begin writing to your classroom. Remember, real world relationships take time to develop and this one will too. Send photos, create a photobook, or send videos to bring agriculture to life for your classroom match!
Explore these resources for helpful program tips:
- Getting Started
- How to Connect with Us
- Top 10 Ways to Get Agriculture in the Classroom
- Nebraska Commodity Board Contacts
- Friendly Words
- Fast Facts About Nebraska Agriculture
- Sample Ag Pen Pal News Release
- Preparing for a Classroom Visit
- 8 Tips to Host a Field Trip
Download Farmer/Rancher Handbook
Ag Pen Pal Farmer/Rancher Newsletter
This electronic newsletter is emailed to Pen Pal's quarterly and will be sent quarterly (November, January, March, May). The newsletter gives valuable information about the program along with resources and access to guides.
