Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month connects thousands of Saskatchewan students with farming

Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan is marking the 15th annual Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month this March, connecting thousands of students with farmers and agriculture professionals across the province.

The national initiative aims to help young people better understand how agriculture shapes their daily lives and communities through classroom visits, hands-on activities and discussions with people working in the industry.

In Saskatchewan, this year’s learning resource focuses on an interactive timeline exploring how farming in the province has evolved over time. Students examine key historical milestones, innovations and events that helped shape modern agricultural practices, tracing the development of farming from early homesteading and traditional tools to today’s technology-driven and sustainability-focused operations.

“This year’s resource encourages students to think critically about how agriculture has changed and why innovation matters,” said Sara Shymko, executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan.

“By exploring the past and present of Saskatchewan agriculture, students can better understand the role the industry plays in feeding communities locally and globally.”

Volunteers are central to the program, with farmers and agriculture professionals visiting classrooms to share their experiences and perspectives on the industry. Organizers say the visits help students connect what they learn in school to the real-world work happening in rural communities.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of CALM,” Shymko said. “They help students see how agriculture has evolved within their own communities and inspire curiosity about the future of farming.”

This year, Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan has paired 161 volunteers with 313 classrooms across the province. The program is expected to reach approximately 7,250 students during the month-long initiative.

Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan is a non-profit charitable organization that develops classroom resources and programs designed to help teachers incorporate agriculture into their lessons and introduce students to the role the industry plays in everyday life.