OREGON, Ill. - Agriculture in the Classroom is a statewide educational program with lessons offered to Kindergarten through 8th grade. Its goal is to help students, teachers, and the public gain greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. The program is presented at area organizations and group meetings during the summer. Melinda Colbert, the Ag Literacy Coordinator for Ogle and Carroll Counties, has presented at the Oregon Rotary and the Carroll County Farm Bureau's Prime Time/4Cs Committee. Ag in the Classroom (AITC) is offered through University of Illinois Extension in Ogle and Carroll Counties in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water, and Carroll County Soil & Water.

Melinda grew up on a farm in the Leaf River area, which included dairy and beef cows, sheep, and chickens. She graduated from Forreston High School in 1993. After high school, she attended Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in secondary education and math. 

After graduating from college, Melinda was the Program Director for the Sheboygan Boys & Girls Club. She returned to Lakeland College as a Hall Director and Summer Camps and Conferences Director. Since returning to the Leaf River area, Melinda has held several positions with the University of Illinois Extension in Ogle County, including 4-H Community Worker and Fiscal Secretary. Melinda has been the Ag Literacy Coordinator since 2007.

Photo — The Rotary Club of Oregon was pleased to have Melinda Colbert from Illinois Extension discussing the Agriculture in the Classroom program. L to R: Stan Eden, Julie Mann, and Melinda Colbert.