Educational Grants
Calling all Ellis County educators!
The Ellis County Farm Bureau is excited to offer the Ag Explorer Grant, a up to a $200 grant reimbursement to support educational field trips or special school projects that connect students to agriculture. Applications accepted until funding is exhausted, apply before funding runs out!​
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Why Ag Explorer?
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Hands-on experiences at farms, greenhouses, or agricultural processing facilities bring agriculture to life.
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Expose students to the importance of agriculture and inspire a passion for food systems.
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Grant Eligibility:
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Open to all Ellis County educators (K-12)
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Field trip or classroom project must connect to agriculture in some way ( farm visit, food processing plant tour, dairy barn, health or nutrition related, food pantry, special classroom project )
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Maximum one grant awarded per teacher per school year
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Grant Requirements:
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Submit a brief proposal outlining the field trip, and its connection to agriculture.
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Before the field trip or classroom project submit to our email a confirmation of enrollment from the visiting facility/company.
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Following the field trip or project, submit a group photo of participating students.
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Get Growing Today!
Applications for the Ag Explorer Grant are available here on the Ellis County Farm Bureau Website below
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Ag Explorer Possible Locations:
If you are an owner/operator of an agriculture facility willing to be showcased on our website contact us! ​​
Here are some of Steph and Abby's personal favorites!
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McCarty Family Farms, Rexford, KS
"We operate our farms transparently and welcome the public onto our farm through the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center. Named in honor of our late mother, who was our family's original tour guide, we are excited to continue her passion for hosting and educating people on our farm.
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Visit our state-of-the-art dairy farm and 120-stall milking carousel, learn about cow care and environmental stewardship. There are interactive games and displays for all ages and backgrounds"
Pa's Pumpkin Patch, Hays, KS ​​
A great place you can find the perfect pumpkin – along with kids’ activities and alpacas – at Pa’s Pumpkin Patch. A pumpkin patch helps children connect the food they eat to the farm where it's grown. Pa’s is located just 2.5 miles south of Hays on Hwy 183.
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Kansas State Fair, Hutchison, KS
Attend "Kansas' Largest Classroom!" from September 6th-15th 2024.
Unsure where to start?
Home School Coop can contact Steph directly for information.​
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We can help! Contact Steph at Ellis County Farm Bureau for:
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A list of pre-approved field trip locations that align with the Ag Explorer Grant guidelines.
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Assistance connecting you with local farms and agricultural businesses willing to host your class.
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Guidance on tailoring your field trip to your objectives.​
Hays High Agriculture class attends Premier Tillage In Quinter, KS.
Sponsored by Ellis County Farm Bureau
" Fantastic day at the Capitol for Russell, Hays High, Victoria & TMP FFA students! Thank you Representatives Rahjes & Wasinger, Capitol tour guides & The Homier commercial sheep farm for a very busy but informative day! "