As students are getting ready for summer, area schools in Renville County attended an Ag Day organized by Minnesota Ag in the Classroom. With over 130 people including students, teachers and volunteers, participants left with a greater appreciation of agriculture education.  

“This was the first time we as a family hosted students on the farm,” said Nathan Serbus, chair of the Renville County Corn and Soybean Growers. “It was heartwarming seeing the students running off the bus excited to be on a farm and see what we had in store for them.” 

Nathan Serbus was alongside his brother, Jaden, and father, Norb, when they received a phone call from the organizers to be the farm stop for the event. The Serbuses were enthusiastic hosts, and with help from two other county board members, Connie Mulder and Carlton Gustafson, Nathan had a plan ready on their Renville farm.  

After arriving, the students divided into three groups to rotate around the farm. The first group headed to meet Nathan and learn about preparing the fields for planting and what the planting process entails.  

The second group met with Jaden, discussing what happened after seeds are planted and before harvest, covering topics like fertilizer and field maintenance. Students were able to compare a spray drone and a pull behind sprayer. Norb and Carlton were stationed by the grain bins and semis, explaining what happens when the grain comes off the field and highlighting some products their grain can be found in.  

“The favorite part for the students definitely was being able to go in the tractors and see the technology we utilize on the farm,” said Serbus, who grows soybeans, corn and sweet corn. 

The students left with a colorful “Minnesoyta” pencil and other promo items courtesy of the soybean checkoff before heading to their next stop.  

About the Renville County Soybean & Corn Growers Association 

The Renville County Soybean & Corn Growers Association is affiliated with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, which oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of approximately 26,000 farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program that requires all soybean producers to pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.