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Ohio Farm Bureau hosted more than 50 K-5 educators between two days of professional development events at the 2026 Ohio State Fair, centered around agricultural education and the organization’s new imAGine Ag exhibit.

After recent success with a one-day professional development event with K- 2 educators from kindergarten through second grade, Ohio Farm Bureau expanded the program to include a second day for educators in third through fifth grades.

The event was open to all formal educators and included in-depth visits with farmers and commodity groups in livestock barns, hands-on curriculum training and a behind-the-scenes look at the new imAGine Ag exhibit. Attendees also received classroom toolkits featuring National Ag in the Classroom content, agriculturally accurate books, and lesson plans connected to imAGine Ag.

“Our educators have an incredible opportunity to help the next generation understand where their food comes from and the role agriculture plays in their communities, ” said Marlene Eick, senior director of leadership development at Ohio Farm Bureau. “By giving these teachers the tools, resources and firsthand experience to bring agriculture into their classrooms, we can help more students build a meaningful connection to the community that provides the food, fiber and renewable fuel we all rely on.”

Educators interested in 2027 programming can sign up for the email list at ofb.ag/agliteracylist. More information about Ohio Farm Bureau’s events and agricultural education efforts can be found at the organization’s Agriculture Education page at
ofb.ag/ageducation.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].

Editors: A photo from the 2026 educator professional development events is available for download.