Melody Blosser Previews Ag In The Classroom State Summer Conference

Farm Director KC Sheperd spoke with Melody Blosser from Ag in the Classroom who shared the organization’s recent summer activities, beginning with the June road trip. “We went to Southern Oklahoma and took 50 teachers on three days of agricultural field trips,” she explained. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Beef Council, the trip included stops like Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Wire and Steel, and various cattle producers and agritourism venues like Dogwood Blooms. Melody emphasized, “It’s the best month,” describing June as jam-packed with engaging and diverse agricultural experiences.

Following the road trip, Melody and her team attended the national Ag in the Classroom conference in Minnesota with 23 Oklahoma participants. “We had six different breakout sessions that were presented by Oklahoma educators,” she noted. Notable presenters included Jerry and Jacqueline from GRDA and Shelly Mitchell. “Our Oklahoma presentations are always received well… standing room only,” she proudly shared, emphasizing the positive national reputation of Oklahoma’s Ag in the Classroom educators.

Melody described the value these experiences bring to educators: “They get to see the agriculture up close and personal and learn new things that they can use in their own classrooms.” Educators could attend their choice of 12 traveling workshops on topics like dairy operations, turf management, and more.

The conversation also touched on the variety of agricultural careers students can learn about through these programs. “No matter what field you want to go into, there is a connection to agriculture,” Melody explained. One highlight was a turf management session tied to the Minnesota Vikings, arranged through a local connection. These unexpected connections reveal the wide scope of potential agricultural careers for students.

A special moment at the national conference was the recognition of Heather Buckmaster from the Beef Council. “She was honored as the partner for agriculture literacy It’s called the PAL Award,” (Partner for Agricultural Literacy) Melody said. She expressed her gratitude for Buckmaster’s support, adding, “We can’t say thank you enough for that partnership.” The award was especially meaningful since Oklahoma hadn’t had a winner in quite some time. Congratulations, Heather Buckmaster!

Looking ahead, Melody previewed the upcoming state summer conference on July 10th at MetroTech. The conference will have 5 breakout sessions educators can choose from. “Typically, we have between 250 to 300 educators that join us,” she said, inviting attendees from all grade levels to participate. “There is something at every breakout session for whatever grade” she emphasized. The theme, “Find Your Hive in 25,” reflects a focus on building partnerships and discovering available classroom resources from agricultural organizations. Melody emphasized the opportunity to make connections and network with agricultural groups and teach your students about them.

Finally, Melody encouraged newcomers to join the Ag in the Classroom community. “There’s always room for one more at the Ag in the Classroom table,” she quoted Jamie Allen. She highlighted how these events foster lasting friendships and collaboration. “It’s our last big event,” Melody said of the summer conference, but teased more to come—like a specialty crop tour and a student-led outreach initiative called “Building the Bridge,” where high schoolers will teach younger students about agriculture. “So many fun things going on,” she concluded with enthusiasm.

Designed for 3rd–5th grade teachers, this engaging session is packed with free classroom tools, student-led learning strategies, and a mix of literacy, science, and ranch life fun. From sparking inquiry to supporting student ownership, it’s a boot-stompin’ experience you won’t forget!