Seeking to improve education about agriculture, the CHS Foundation will contribute nearly $3.5 million to the University of Minnesota. The announcement this week said the partners aim to develop strong leaders in rural America, engage youth in agriculture experiences and build a new agriculture education model.
"Together with the University of Minnesota, we are cultivating, preparing and helping agriculture leaders thrive now and into the future," said CHS Foundation president Linda Tank.
Specific programs to be funded include creation of agriculture and science programs at the Bell Museum of Natural History and a CHS agriculture education endowed fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Also planned are establishment of a CHS agriculture education technology lab, and support for AgCultures adventure learning project curriculum. Programs will also seek to integrate agriculture curriculum in K-12 classrooms and develop agriculture literacy programs in conjunction with 4-H and the Minnesota Youth Institute.
Brian Buhr, dean of the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences, said the support from the CHS Foundation is critical as the University charts a new course for the future of ag education that includes new technologies, interdisciplinary curriculum and experiential learning.
CHS Foundation is funded by CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, headquartered in Inver Grove Heights.
