By Andi Anderson
To launch the 2025–2026 school year, Jefferson County Farm Bureau hosted its Agriculture Integration Giveaway, an initiative to recognize teachers who bring agriculture into their classrooms. Open to all educators in the Pekin and Fairfield School Districts, the contest drew strong participation across all grade levels.
Teachers were asked to complete nine questions about how they integrate agriculture into lessons, why it matters, and how the prize would support their classroom. Sixteen entries were submitted, spanning Kindergarten through 12th Grade, with outstanding quality across submissions. As a result, the Farm Bureau expanded its awards to honor three educators.
Melinda Lyon, a 5th Grade teacher at Fairfield Middle School, received the $100 Amazon gift card. She blends agriculture into science and math, teaching topics such as erosion, plant survival, and calculating grain bin volume.
With her family active in farming, Lyon explained: “We live in rural Iowa where agriculture is all over. It is the backbone of our country.”
Aundera Tubb, a 4th Grade teacher at Pence Elementary School, was awarded a $50 gift card. She uses Iowa Ag Magazines to teach agricultural history and geography, aligning lessons with social studies standards. She noted: “It is important to incorporate agriculture into our curriculum because it is real-world knowledge that students need.”
Cory Klehm, a 6th Grade teacher at Fairfield Middle School, also received a $50 gift card. His classroom features hands-on learning through seed saving, planting, crop growth cycles, and lessons on water quality and sustainable farming practices.
Klehm emphasized: “By covering agricultural topics in the classroom, all students in our community are educated on the current trends, topics, and future of agriculture.”
Jefferson County Farm Bureau thanked all participating teachers for their commitment to agricultural literacy. Their efforts ensure students understand the critical role farming plays in communities, the economy, and everyday life.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-lisegagne
Categories: Iowa, Education, General