Brenda Raterink was a guest speaker in our classroom teaching us about Economics.  Brenda Raterink is the Program Coordinator for the Ag in the Classroom Program in Ottawa County. She grew up on a farm and has a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Agricultural Economics. Brenda and her husband own and operate a family dairy farm in Zeeland.

Mrs. Raterink explained the journey from cow’s milk to the milk we buy at the store. Our second graders learned that dairy farmers have many expenses to pay in order to operate, just like our families and businesses.  We had an opportunity to be producers, transporters, processors and consumers through the process of gathering materials, transporting, producing and then finally distributing trail mix.

The Ag in the Classroom program is available to school classes at no charge. There are several types of lessons that fit into the elementary curriculum and meet the Michigan Content Standards.  Materials and supplies are provided free for each lesson. Each session takes between 45-60 minutes. All lessons include hands-on activities that children will enjoy doing.  Thank you to Brenda Raterink for a GREAT lesson!