Spud-tacular science: Unearthing fun facts

Students and their teachers in grades pre-k through 12 will gain knowledge about producing Colorado Potatoes this spring through their school’s registration and participation in the Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom’s Literacy Project found on https://colorado.agclassroom.org. Offered for a narrow window of opportunity, registration is open only until Jan. 15, 2026.

For over three decades, Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom, under the auspices of the Colorado Foundation for Agriculture, has served as a non-profit organization providing free classroom agricultural literacy learning resources throughout the state and beyond. Serving over 350,000 individuals in 2025, the 2026 project will focus on Colorado potatoes in partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado Potato Administration Committee, Colorado Farm Show, Northern Colorado Potatoes, Bank of Colorado, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Colorado Farm Bureau, Young Farmers and Ranchers and a fast-growing list of sponsors and donors.

The Literacy Project is an annual interactive learning experience where each participating Colorado class receives a free class kit complete with educational resources and enough supplies to complete hands-on activities with students. This program integrates agricultural themes into pre-k-through 12 instruction, connecting to academic standards for language arts, social studies, STEM and AFNR. Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom’s Literacy Project seeks to cultivate a love for reading while enhancing the understanding of agricultural concepts, ultimately fostering empowered and literate communities. A new agricultural topic and book, featuring Colorado agriculture stories, are chosen each year. This year the book is a family affair, entitled “Plenty of Potatoes,” written by Rachel Allnutt, illustrated by her niece Sierra Gerber and published by Rachel’s sister McCall Knecht.

Tax-deductible support makes it possible for Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom to bring agricultural literacy to students across Colorado, inspiring the next generation with information on the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. Teachers previously involved share the following quotes illustrating the lasting impact of the project:
• “Thank you for teaching us about Colorado history and agriculture through a book, samples and activities!”
• “Thank you for offering this program and with a book in Spanish as well. My multilingual learners will enjoy reading the book in Spanish.”
• “Thank you for this exciting curriculum. I love the connection to a community that is close to us.”
Join us in extending the impact of this project — encourage the educators you know to register on https://colorado.agclassroom.org by Jan. 15, share information on our 2026 theme — Colorado Potatoes, and donate today to help inspire the next generation with the story of agriculture.