Trish Jordan
AITC President

Monsanto Canada
trish.l.jordan@monsanto.com

Agriculture today is an incredibly complex business and most people - regardless of age - have little understanding of how their food is produced or what farming and agriculture is all about. As a science-based agricultural company, Monsanto is fully supportive of programs like Agriculture in the Classroom that are making a real difference in terms of exposing kids to agriculture and its importance in our lives. Through Ag in the Classroom programs, kids have the opportunity to learn about both the science and practical aspects of agriculture in a fun and experiential way.

Ellen Pruden
AITC Past-president

Manitoba Canola Growers
prudene@mcgacanola.org

Ellen Pruden is the Education and Promotion Coordinator for the Manitoba Canola Growers Association and Canola Info.  She informs and promotes the benefits of canola oil to health professional, chefs, dietitians, consumers and educators. Ellen is an educator and believes strongly in the importance of informing our youth about agriculture.

Brian Kenyon

AITC Vice-president

YARA

brian.kenyon@yara.com

We have a positive message to tell about Agriculture and our role in feeding the world. If we don’t tell it then who will? As a new director to AITC-M, I am looking forward to working with the other board members and staff in the telling of our story.  I have had the opportunity to attend some of the wonderful events put on by AITC-M and was very impressed with the passion and excellence shown by everyone involved. This is an exciting time to be a part of agriculture. AITC-M has the ability to make a difference and can help create an interest in agriculture that may someday lead to a career in this industry.

Bob Bartley

AITC Treasurer

Independent

rsbfarms@mts.net

I am concerned about what I perceive as a growing disconnect between agriculture and the general public. I hope that through my association with Agriculture in the Classroom, I can make a positive contribution to finding solutions to help children better understand the importance of agriculture in their day-to-day lives and help consumers better understand the important role farmers play in providing high quality, reasonably priced food.  Along with my wife Shelley we have one daughter, Lisa and live in one of the most fertile areas in the Red River Valley in Roland, MB, home of Canadian 4H and the Giant Pumpkin.  Our farm produces wheat, canola, flax, soybeans, and grain corn.

Kelly Funke

AITC Secretary

Manitoba Pork Council

kfunke@manitobapork.com

I have worked in the agriculture industry for 10 years, and although I am just one generation removed from the farm, I am one of those people who had to have their eyes opened to the possibilities of a career in ag. Wouldn’t it be great to help open others’ eyes in the same way? I also believe it is becoming increasingly important to provide a connection for children to the food they eat, the land that grows it and the farmers who produce it. Agriculture in the Classroom can cultivate a generation of adults who have a better understanding of agriculture, and who will be better prepared to make informed decisions about food.

Marlene Baskerville
AITC Director

Manitoba Agriculture and Food and Rural Initiatives
marlene.baskerville@gov.mb.ca

I am the Agriculture Curriculum Specialist representing Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives on the AITC-M Board. Having a large percentage of Manitoba's population living in urban areas and not being aware of the impact and diversity of agriculture to our everyday lives, it is important to work with partners such as AITC-M in encouraging the young people of today to become informed consumers and decision-makers of tomorrow. The programs and services AITC-M has been involved with are exciting, dynamic activities that foster excitement and learning which will have long-lasting results and it is a pleasure to be a part of it. eing involved in AITC-M's important work.

Brian Hellegards
AITC Director

Richardson International kelburn@richardson.ca

As manager of Richardson Kelburn Farm 10 minutes south of Winnipeg, I have the opportunity to be part of a agricultural learning facility for all ages.  With over 1000 children, teachers, farmers and industry people touring the farm each year, I get to see the importance of agricultural education.  I really enjoy being part of the AITC-M group and being able to host the groups that are so eager to learn about where their food comes from and how it is grown.  We are lucky to be involved in such an important industry in Manitoba.

Patsy Michiels

AITC Director

AAFC

michielsp@agr.gc.ca

Growing up on a small dairy farm in southern Manitoba, I learned to appreciate agriculture and I gained a basic understanding of what is involved in growing a crop, milking cows, etc. Many Manitoba children do not have this opportunity. Since they are our future leaders, decision makers and voters, I feel that it is very important that they have an understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from and how essential agriculture is to our communities. AITC-M plays an important role in developing an appreciation and awareness of the agricultural industry in the classroom and I am very proud to be a part of it.

Sheena Pitura

AITC Director

Canterra Seeds

s.pitura@canterra.com

Sheena grew up on a farm at Domain, MB. Sheena has a B. Sc. in Agriculture and is currently employed as the Marketing Manager for Canterra Seeds. Sheena is very passionate about educating our young people on the importance of agriculture. She believes the growing social campaign against today’s farming has been gaining steam, largely because the general public does not understand where and how their food is produced. She is hopeful that education will help people understand the value of our industry

Scott Van Alstyne
AITC Director

Independent
sdvan@mts.net

Agriculture in the Classroom and its mandate allows the agriculture message to be delivered to students and teachers in an accurate, balanced and current manner. It is great to provide a hands on approach to agriculture and teach people with no connection to the farm where their food and agriculture based products come from.