Agclassroom.org & Wisagclassroom.org

Ever since I arrived in Wisconsin, one thing I have noted is the high profile agriculture has in this state as an industry and employer, much higher than anywhere I've ever visited or lived. What's more, there is a fascinating and admirable diversity to the agricultural production. I've read about dairy, malting barley, wheat and even ginseng being grown not terribly far from Chippewa. The ginseng thing just amazes me, for some reason. Did you know Wisconsin produces 95% of the ginseng grown in the U.S.?

All this is bringing me to some information we just got in the mail from the USDA. They have a really interesting online resource called Agclassroom, which is chocked full of information for students and teachers seeking to learn (and teach) more about agriculture in the United States. Lesson plans, virtual tours, government publications, all online and all free. There's even a profile for every state.

And, if you want to just concentrate on our great State of Wisconsin (America's leading producer of snap beans), try the Wisconsin-centric page of Agclassroom.

Take a look.

USDA Construction Grant...Show Support?

Here's part of an email I got that you, dear reader, may find interesting. Would you be interested in attending this meeting? If you can't, do you know anyone who would be? If so, email me!


"Informational Meeting March 16, 10-12 at Menomonie Public Library
USDA, as a result of the Stimulus package, has $100 million to give away in grants and loans for public library building projects!

• For towns with populations under 20,000
  
• The smaller the community and/or average income, the higher chance of getting a grant
  
• For new building, renovation, additions
  
• This is a grant to MUNICIPALITIES.
  

To help you figure out the requirements and how to apply for these funds, USDA officials will be holding an informational meeting Wednesday March 16 at the Menomonie Public Library.

You will want to invite:

• Library board members
• Municipal officials "

But, of course, I want to invite anyone who wants to show up and look serious about libraries. So let me know!